President, women in energy network, Eyono Fatai-Williams has applauded the level of achievements gained so far by the women advocacy group since it’s inception five years ago, just as she retains her seat as president of the group following outcome of election conducted by the electoral committee set up by the association to usher in new executives to pilot the affairs of the group in the next two years. The president gave the applaud in lagos Tuesday during a media engagement shortly before the commencement of the 4th annual general meeting of the group. While giving her opening remarks in a prepared speech, Eyono Fatai-Williams noted that in the past five years the association has grown in size, significance, and impact through the resilience of the women who make up the membership, including other critical partners and allies. “Your commitment, support, and belief in an equitable energy future have kept the lights on at WIEN; you have made us shine brighter than ever before”
While giving account of some of the milestone achievements, the president of the women’s group said one of the most significant milestones is structured around the growing number of membership in the last one year. “I am pleased to announce that we have crossed the 1,000 mark, reaching an incredible 1,108 members. This number reflects our united voices in championing women’s advancement and participation in Nigeria’s energy industry.
“Our corporate membership remains robust, with four new corporate members welcomed this year: Corporate NNPC Retail Limited in February, Lonadek Global Services in July, Tenaris Nigeria in August, and TotalEnergies last month” “This phenomenal growth confirms that WIEN is doing something right” she declared.
On the international Women’s Day 2025 celebration, the president of the women energy network used the opportunity of the media engagement to highlight some of the interventions by the body to mark the special day. She noted that
the association used the occasion of the international women’s day to focus on the grassroots with STEM-focused career fairs in Lagos and Port Harcourt for girls in government secondary schools, through career talks, hands-on sessions, and interactions with female role models, thereby opening doors of possibility for young girls, and helping them to see energy and STEM not as distant dreams, but as attainable futures.
She further noted that the members of the women in energy network also participated in Aradel Holdings’ IWD event, an event she said emphasized action, inclusion, and women’s leadership. “We partnered with Lonadek Global Services for the global Vital Voices Mentoring Walk, joining women worldwide in a collective movement for mentorship and leadership development”. “We also participated in the American Business Council IWD Summit, a gathering of women leaders and industry practitioners to discuss actionable strategies for equity, leadership, and advancement in the workplace”.
On industry engagements in the last one year, Eyono Fatai-Williams spoke on some engagements of the women advocacy group which include particiapation at N.I.E.S, SAIPEC, NOG Energy Week, NOGOF, Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), IoT West Africa & PnW Nigeria Conference, Africa Energy Technology Conference in Ghana, NAICE SPE, African Energy Week in Cape Town, Gas Investment Forum, 15th NLCGA Conference, OTL Africa Downstream Week, Gastech 2025 in Milan, and many others.
“Through these events, we showcased our network, connected with professionals and industry players, promoted our women, and raised awareness about our mission and the importance of women’s contributions to the energy sector. “Our participation increased our visibility and strengthened WIEN’s influence in the industry”.
“In addition, WIEN participated in key stakeholder engagements, including the NCDMB Stakeholders Engagement Forum and the CGE Africa Stakeholder Dialogue, ensuring women’s voices remain present and influential in national and continental energy policy conversations”.
“Fostering Knowledge and Building Capacity
At the heart of WIEN’s mission is the belief that knowledge is power. “Promoting women’s participation and leadership in the energy sector involves equipping them with the skills, insights, and confidence to excel”
She also touched on WIEN’S series of masterclasses, webinars, and health talks in the last one year covering topics such as Life After Subsidy, Financial Management for Owner-Managed Businesses, Finance Investment, Cybersecurity, FIRS e-Invoicing, AI, and Mental Health and Hormonal Management. “These platforms have helped build capacity and foster mentorship, networking, and actionable learning for our members”.
“Our vibrant Collegiate Community remains a vital part of the network and its efforts in promoting Girls in STEM and future women energy leaders”
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering women in business, easing the cost of compliance, and strengthening the competitiveness of women-led enterprises in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape”
Eyono Fatai-Williams in her speech said the industry advocate awards during the last 2025 annual conference of the association of energy correspondents of Nigeria, NAEC and other awards goes a long way in giving credence and recognition of the women group in deepening conversation within the energy sector.
“These accolades celebrate our work and impact on the industry and reflect the dedication of every member, partner, and ally who has contributed to WIEN’s mission”. “While awards honor the organization, they also motivate us to raise the bar, expand our reach, and continue creating a platform for women to
excel across the energy value chain”.
On her part the chair, BOT, Cecilia Aqua-umoren in her statement noted that the past year has been one of growth, strategic engagement, and continued visibility for WIEN across the energy sector, declaring that the programmes, partnerships, and advocacy efforts of the women group have helped strengthened the role of the group as a leading voice for gender diversity and inclusion within Nigeria’s
evolving energy landscape.
While extending her appreciation to the executives, committee leads, volunteers, and other members who have contributed to the achievements of the last one year, the chair, BOT noted that the board of Trustees remains committed to strengthening governance, supporting leadership development, and ensuring that WIEN continues to be a platform where women thrive, lead, and influence sector-wide transformation.
At the end of the 4th AGM a new executive council was constituted after an election of the women advocacy group with Eyono Fatai-Williams retaining her seat as president of the association after securing total votes of 89 out 103 votes casts, Yetunde Odejobi as vice president, Gas after securing 96 votes to win the post, while Ifeoma Ukabiala coming in as vice president, Upstream with 95 votes and Sherifat Adegbenro securing 65 votes to win the position of Vice president, power, renewables.
