The annual Women in Maritime and Energy Awards took center stage last Friday, 28th March, amid impressive pomp and pageantry as trailblazing women smiled home with several awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions in two historically male-dominated industries.
Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of female leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of maritime and energy.
The event, now in its fourth year, showcased the significant strides made towards gender diversity and inclusion in sectors traditionally dominated by men as industry professionals, government representatives, and corporate leaders gathered to applaud the honorees and discuss the ongoing transformation within these fields.
The night’s top accolades was the Titanium category Lifetime Achievement Award in Maritime, presented to Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, the erstwhile Managing Director / Chief Executive Officerof the National Inland Waterways Authority, and Past Director of Maritime Services, Federal Ministry of Transport while Eyesan Oritsemeyiwa Past Executive Vice President of Upstream at NNPC Ltd took home the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Energy for her over 33years of contributions to initiatives that recovered national oil production, closed stalled divestment transactions and improved the upstream investment climate.
Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa (2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Maritime) and Mrs. Eyesan Oritsemeyiwa (2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Energy)
Speaking at the WIME 2025 Awards, the Chairperson of the Advisory Board, Dr Chizoba Anyika, emphasised the importance of collaboration and called on all stakeholders to contribute towards a more inclusive industry where women take on more leadership roles.
Anyika urged organisations and policymakers to translate commitments into tangible actions that foster gender inclusivity and professional growth in maritime and energy.
“Our goal is to build stronger networks, create more mentorship opportunities, and push for policies that truly support women in maritime and energy. We want to work with organisations, industry leaders, and policymakers who are ready to take action—not just in words, but in meaningful commitments, ” Anyika stated.,
She reaffirmed her belief that the future of the maritime and energy industries is increasingly female, with women positioned to lead and make substantial contributions to the sector’s growth.
Anyika stated that the WIME Awards continue to serve as a beacon of empowerment, encouraging more women to step forward and take their rightful place in the industry.
Another keynote speaker, Mrs.Olajumoke Ajayi, CEO Ingentia Energies and President-elect Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, also a leading advocate for women in STEM, emphasized the importance of mentorship and breaking down barriers to entry in these industries.
“We need to create environments where women feel empowered to lead and innovate, ” she said
Speaking on the theme Accelerate Action in her Keynote address, Mrs. Modupe Oyeneyin, Division Manager, Supply Chain & procurement, Oando Energy Resources, emphasized the impactful role of women in helping organisations navigate change and building a resilient culture.,
As the maritime and energy sectors continue to evolve, initiatives like the Women in Maritime and Energy Awards play a crucial role in recognizing and encouraging the vital contributions of women. Organizers have already set their sights on 2026, with hopes to expand the program across Africa to highlight the work of women making an impact across the world.
