.. partners Nexim, KPMG to tackle funding paps for women in energy
Fatayi-Williams assures increase in women energy executives’ participation in technical panels at global conferences
Godwin Martha
Women-led energy firms in Nigeria, spanning the upstream, midstream, downstream, gas, and renewable sectors under the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), have pledged to champion discussions promoting an inclusive energy mix, as opposed to the global push for transition away from fossil fuels.
According to them WIEN is actively supporting initiatives, masterclasses, and collaborations to promote gas utilization and responsible resource development.
The position was disclosed by Eyono Fatayi-Williams, WIEN President, alongside other executives and members of the association, during an engagement session with energy correspondents on the sidelines of the 10th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) held Wednesday in Lagos.
WIEN President Eyono Fatayi-Williams in her comment emphasized that the association’s members are strategically aligning themselves within Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape, stressing, “We do not want Nigeria to miss out on what we can bring to the table in terms of the energy mix and the country’s future energy journey.”
She said, “Gas is the transition fuel, the destination fuel. Gas is the fuel of today and of the future,”
She added that, in line with the position of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, members have been encouraged to actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s energy discourse.
“For WIEN, representing women across the entire energy value chain, it is crucial that our voices are heard and recognized in industry conferences and exhibitions both within and outside the country,” Fatayi-Williams stated.
She further stated that WIEN offers structured mentorship programs, networking platforms, and technical knowledge sessions to advance women’s careers and business capabilities in the energy sector.
“Funding remains a key challenge for women in business, which is why we partner with institutions like Nexim Bank. We also collaborate with KPMG to support our members in areas such as governance, tax advisory, and financial services.
“WIEN currently counts over 30 corporate members—including indigenous operators, international oil companies, and service providers—alongside more than 1,000 individual members.
“The association focuses on capacity building through networking sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, and masterclasses addressing issues across the energy value chain in Nigeria,” the WIEN President explained.
Mrs. Yetunde Odejobi, WIEN Vice President, Gas, on her part stressed that gas development is crucial for economic growth and energy security.
“Nigeria will continue to prioritize gas exploration. We will leverage existing resources to achieve our energy goals,” she said, adding that WIEN actively supports initiatives, masterclasses, and collaborations to promote gas utilization and responsible resource development.
Ms. Lola Oyenekan, WIEN Director of Business Development and Publicity, noted that women in the energy sector have increasingly organized to support each other’s professional growth and industry participation.
“Women across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors have formed a symbiotic network to support one another in the industry,” she said
Oyenekan revealed that women have maintained visible participation in major industry conferences over the past five years—not only as attendees but also as speakers contributing technical and strategic insights.
Engr. Asanimo Omezi, Executive Secretary of WIEN, in her comment added that organisation has launched scholarship and youth development initiatives to strengthen the talent pipeline.
“Through our pilot program, Supernova Girl, we encourage young girls to remain in STEM education.
“We currently support 16 girls in the scholarship fund, with a goal to reach up to 1,000 girls annually,” she said, noting that WIEN also provides structured mentorship, internships, and graduate training opportunities for young professionals.
