'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, has announced that it will confer an Honorary Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa) on Chief Leemon Ikpea, a distinguished engineering entrepreneur and Chairman of Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited.
The conferment ceremony, scheduled for March 15, 2025, is in recognition of Chief Ikpea’s remarkable contributions to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, as well as his dedicated efforts toward the development of the Niger Delta region.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akpofure Rim, in a letter notifying Ikpea of the honor, commended his pioneering role in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through innovative engineering solutions, job creation, and indigenous capacity building.
Chief Ikpea, through Lee Engineering, has been instrumental in enhancing local content participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring that indigenous firms play a critical role in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects across the country.
His leadership and commitment to integrity, professionalism, and excellence have made his company a trusted name in the industry, with major partnerships and projects executed for both government and private sector clients.
Speaking recently on the 32nd anniversary of Lee Engineering, Chief Ikpea emphasized the importance of integrity in business, noting that trust and credibility have been central to his company’s success.
“For us, integrity is not a concept. It is who we are. With integrity, every business partner, client, supplier, or vendor looks for you because they trust you. Who will do business with you if you are not trusted? Integrity is our watchword,” he stated.
Chief Ikpea’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and industrial development have not gone unnoticed. The Senate Committee on Gas recently commended his contributions to the nation’s oil and gas sector, highlighting his significant investments and adherence to industry best practices.
In a commendation letter, the committee wrote:
“We write to commend you on your activities in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. Our investigation revealed that you have invested hugely in the industry. We found no infractions associated with your company.
We commend you for your patriotism and pledge to support you in adding value and creating wealth for the nation.”
Chief Leemon Ikpea’s honorary doctorate from FUPRE is yet another milestone in his illustrious career. As a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, he continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian engineers and business leaders.
The upcoming event will bring together top industry professionals, government officials, and academia to celebrate one of Nigeria’s finest engineering minds, whose contributions continue to shape the nation’s economic and industrial landscape.
