As part of the celebration of International Women’s Day, the Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG) has called for better inclusion of women in the industry to foster growth in the Nigerian economy.
The WEOG, during its strategic women in energy, oil and gas leadership summit and awards programme held in Lagos, emphasised the need for more support for the female folk.
National President of WEOG, Dr Oladunni Owo, said that investment in women would bring about progress and not regress. Owo, who spoke on the objective of the organisation, said WOEG was created to close the gender gap in the sector, which has an influence on the economy.
On her part, the keynote speaker at the event, Chairman of Britannia U Group, UjuIfejika, urged women in the oil and gas sector to be creative and focused as the industry is a competitive one with much regard for the men.
Ifejika, therefore, charged the government to create financial capacity for women that have genuine business in mind for actualisation, saying: “When you involve women, poverty will be reduced in the family and nation. Increase funding for women and include them in the digital world.”
However, the Chairperson of IWD 2024 Southwest and Chapter Secretary of WEOG, Lucy Onoriode Okeke, has urged women in the energy sector to take a moment to reflect on the inspiring conversations, insights, and connections made throughout the time of the IWD.
She, however, said that the work of women goes beyond the event, but they must carry forward the momentum gained from IWS and continue to advocate for equal opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development for women in the energy industry.
Also, the industry veterans called for awareness on energy at primary and secondary schools. They urged parents to desist from discouraging their daughters from studying science and engineering courses as females can do great in the industry.
At the occasion, outstanding women in the industry were given awards, including Co-founder of Bovas and Company Ltd., Dr Victoria Samson, among others, for their impact and integrity in the industry.
