By Chidiebere Ugwu
National President, Women In Energy Oil And Gas (WEOG), Dr. Oladunni Owo , on Tuesday recounted the importance of women inclusion in the society, emphasizing the need for African and men to push for accelerated progress by inspiring inclusion and competition to ensure a better Nigeria.
Dr. Owo spoke at the Strategic Women In Energy Oil And Gas Summit & Awards In Commemoration Of IWD 2024, with the theme: “Closing Energy Gaps in Nigeria by Investing in Women), in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD).
According to Owo, the International Women’s Day amalgamated into International Women’s month and concluded as a period when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political, adding that IWD has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike.
She noted that for WEOG the IWD goes beyond just celebration to transformation, stressing that the organization take every theme and hashtag very serious, infusing same into its yearly theme, industry and national focus at large.
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“I will like to admonish every organisation and individual represented here to make IWD month a month to review your commitment to DEI, your commitment to maximising the entirety of your human resources , tap into the untapped reserve as a strategy for progress and sustainability. So , I like to all sit and enjoy the day , the organising committee has prepared a very luminous , sweet and engaging IWD celebration diet for us with a promise of NO dull moment” she said.
Also speaking during the event, Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC Limited, reiterated that his organization recognize the critical role that women play in driving sustainable development and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Kyari reaffirmed NNPC Limited’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.
“We recognize the critical role that women play in driving sustainable development and mitigating the impacts of climate change. By empowering women as leaders and decision-makers in the energy sector, we can promote more sustainable practices, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
“As we reflect on the achievements and challenges faced by women in the energy sector, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and inclusive development. By investing in women, we invest in the future prosperity and energy security of our nation. I voll all stakeholders, both within Nigeria and on the global stage, to join hands in supporting initiatives that empower women and close energy gaps. Together, we can build a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all”.
In his brief remarks, the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, emphasized the importance of the role of women in the society.
He pledged to always support the WEOG in all their activities, stressing that women in oil and gas contribution is a key driver to economic and environmental sustainability.
Three ministers including the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanuenyi, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, were all decorated with award of honour for their contributions to women development in the country.
