By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
WOMEN have been called upon to aggressively upskill and develop their technical expertise to remain competitive in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving energy sector.
This charge came during the ‘Women Powering Women in Energy (WPWE) 1.0’ webinar, organised over the weekend by the Delta State Chapter of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG).
Stakeholders at the virtual event stressed that while opportunities for women are gradually widening, the industry remains a highly technical environment where competence is non-negotiable. Speakers warned that without deliberate preparation and continuous learning, female professionals risk being left behind.
The National President of WEOG, Mrs. Tolu Longe, described the initiative as an exercise in giving back. “What this series is about, for me, is about giving back. When we as women have knowledge, information and have walked a journey, it’s important that we also share that for those coming behind us,” she said.
She added that the programme aims to close three major gaps: the diversity gap, energy poverty, and the national energy gap by tapping into available resources.
In a hard-hitting presentation, the Acting Managing Director of Neconde Energy Limited, Engr. Chichi Emenike, urged women to prepare for opportunities by building genuine technical skill. “It’s not easy for women working in the oil and gas industry… The energy, oil and gas environment is a technical environment where if you don’t know, you don’t know,” she said.
“As women, we need to air our voices, we need to speak up. If we don’t lend our voices, who do we hand the baton to?” she added, encouraging women to challenge gender bias and take up technical roles.
Earlier, the Delta State Chapter Director of WEOG, Dr. Sarah Nwinee, said the platform reflects a strong commitment to empowering women, adding that the industry is consciously creating opportunities for women to thrive.
The webinar was moderated by Benedicta Anthony, HR Lead at Multiversal Energy Petroleum Resources.
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