Group seeks 35% female inclusion in energy sector

The Women in Energy Network (WEIN), an advocacy group, on Wednesday urged the incoming government to ensure 35 per cent women inclusion in the affairs of the energy sector in the country.

Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, Mrs Funmi Ogbue, National President of WEIN, represented by Mrs Charlotte Essiet, member, Board of Trustee, WEIN, said this was of utmost importance to the group.

Ogbue said women inclusion in the energy sector could be achieved through the creation of policies and initiatives that promote equal opportunities, gender diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

She noted that a recent report by the International Energy Agency said that women make up only 22 per cent of the energy industry workforce in Nigeria, and only 12 per cent occupy senior management roles.

“This highlights the need for concerted efforts to promote gender diversity in the sector, and we believe that the incoming administration has a critical role to play in this regard.

“WIEN is committed to working toward the goal of advancement of women in the energy sector.

“We will look forward to collaborating with the incoming government to create a more equitable and inclusive energy sector and to prioritise the advancement of women in the energy sector,” she said.

According to her, since the creation of the group in 2020, WEIN has been committed to the promotion and advancement of women in the energy sector.

She urged the incoming government to support training and mentoring programmes for women in the industry and encourage publicprivate partnerships that promote gender diversity in the sector.

She said to further impact on women, the group would be empowering more women in the sector in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day.

According to her, this will hold March 24, in Lagos, with the theme: “Programmes & Initiatives for Equitable Access for Women in the Nigerian Energy Industry”.

She said the programme would be done in partnership with ‘Women in Shell Network’ and ‘Seplat Awesome Women’s Network’.

“Our first two breakfast sessions have successfully brought together women in the industry to discuss the challenges they face and share experiences.

“These sessions have provided valuable insights into the issues affecting women in the sector and we are committed to addressing these challenges through our upcoming event.

“As we all know, the energy industry is critical to the growth and development of Nigeria, and women play an essential role in driving innovation, excellence, and progress in this field.

“In spite their contributions, women still face significant barriers to entry and advancement in the energy sector.That is why the WIEN 2023 International Women’s Day Breakfast Session is so timely and essential,” she said.

Also, Mrs Bimbo Onakomaiya, Chairperson, WEIN International Women’s Day Committee, hinted that a mentoring programme for upand-coming female practitioners in the energy sector would be launched.

According to her, the event will engage industry experts, policymakers, and advocates to share insights on the various programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting equitable access for women in the Nigerian energy industry.

“As we celebrate the progress we have made in advancing the role of women in the energy sector, we are also aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“We have worked tirelessly to empower women through various initiatives and programmes, some of our key activities include: providing training and mentoring opportunities.

“We believe that women need to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the energy sector. So, we have organised training and mentoring programmes that provide women with the tools they need to advance their careers.

“We have also invested in organising networking events because we understand the importance of networking in the energy sector, and we have organised several events that bring women in the industry together to share experiences, build relationships, and create opportunities,” she said.

(NAN)

NNPP suspends planned protest against DSS in Kano, gives reasons

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced suspension of a planned protest against the State Director of Department of State Service (DSS) in compliance with police order, putting on hold all rallies, processions and protests in the state.

The NNPP had earlier announced staging a mass protest in Kano today (Thursday) to express displeasure and disagreement with the continued stay of Alhassan Ibrahim as Kano Director of DSS.

The party addressed a press conference, led by the chairman of the stakeholders committee, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi in Kano on Thursday to announce that the protest had been suspended.

Bichi, former TETFUND Boss, said it has placed the protest on hold because higher authorities in Abuja have reached out to the National Headquarters of the Party and assured that steps would be taken to address their grievances.

He said the party reiterated that it is not protesting against the DSS boss overstay in Kano, but alleged that he is staying at the behest of the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

“Our position was not only because Mr Alhassan has overstayed his mandatory service years but because he is being kept in the service and in Kano at the behest of Governor Ganduje, who is his long-term friend and ally and who Ganduje used in 2019 to steal election and subvert the will of the people of Kano state,” Bichi alleged.

“As patriotic and peaceful people, as law abiding and responsible citizens and having received a letter from the Nigeria Police notifying us that all rallies, processions and protest should be put on hold by all political parties.

“In compliance with the DIG Zone 1 of Nigeria Police, and because of the tremendous amount of respect we have for the Police force we have decided to put the planned protest on hold,” Bichi, former candidate for Kano -North senatorial district added.