WIEN plots full gender capacity across sectors

New President of the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams, has stated that the group holds an outlook that could capture the full female potential in Nigeria’s full industry loop in boosting economic growth and development.

Mrs Eyono who succeeds Mrs Funmi Ogbue at the helm of WIEN declared the commitment of the new Executive Committee to deliver in the ideals and goals of the gender equity group.

In speaking at the inauguration of the group’s new executive leadership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted at the MUSON Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, she restated the commitment of the new leadership to work with other members to drive the sustainable ambitions of the association.

Before her elevation to the President of WIEN, Mrs Fatai-Williams served as Vice President in charge of the groups Gas Sectoral Group. She s also former General Manager n charge of as External Relations and Sustainable Development at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

In acknowledging the groundwork already delivered by her predecessor, she described Mrs Ogbue as an enduring inspiration to her new team, adding that the past President would remain a source of support when needed.

In pointing at the need to harness full gender capacity in driving all sectors of the Nigerian economy, Mrs Fatai-Williams noted that embracing other sectors of the economy into the gender equity campaign currently led by WIEN would be inevitable across time, pointing out that every sector of the economy is fired by the energy industry.

“Presently, oil and gas remains the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, so that’s why we are heavily represented here. But that is not to say that other sectors cannot be involved or that they are not important. We are saying that with time, that will happen and we will get there.

“The oil and gas sector is heavily driving the aviation business in the country. So our contribution to that sector of business enterprise (aviation) is huge. So definitely we will get into that sector as well. The same goes for tourism also.

Also speaking, outgoing President of WIEN, Mrs Funmi Ogbue, recounted the challenges that continue to face the advocacy championed by WIEN in the industry.

Mrs Ogbue told the AGM delegates that it requires perseverance and strong collaboration to drive the case for gender equality within the energy sector.

To tackle this, she pointed out, “we must persevere in pushing boundaries, shattering the glass ceiling, and offering each other unwavering support to achieve our objectives. As with any organization, we encounter obstacles that we must conquer to sustain our growth and make a lasting impact.”