Tunde Sholanke
The Executive Secretary Petroleum Technology Development Fund PTDF Dr. Bello Aliyu Gusau,has promised the Women in Energy, Oil and Gas WEOG, Nigeria of paetnership with the institute in the area of training and capacity development in order to increase the gender participation in the sector.
He disclosed this in Abuja during the International Women Day IWD 2023 strategic women in energy, oil and gas submit with the Theme: “The Limitless Woman: Leveraging Innovation and Technology”
It was organized by the association to advance women’s empowerment and recognize their contribution to the oil and gas industry in commemoration of Women’s Day globally.
The Executive Secretary,who was represented by the General Manager, Strategic Planning and Documentation Department Mr. Jide Adebulehin, explained that increasing the women participation in the industry is crucial and strategic because women are known for dedication and commitment in the discharge of their duty.
He said:“For almost three decades I have been in the industry, women that worked with me has always shown dedication and I find them very resourceful when it comes to sharing duty or responsibility. Our duty here involve capacity development in oil and gas, the PTDF conference hall is conducive for conferences, seminar and capacity training and the door is open for the forum like this” He also commended the organisers of the event for the vision in driving the gender imbalance in the sector.
Speaking,the Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company NNPC Limited Board, Senator Margret Okadigbo tasked women in the oil and gas sector to create opportunity for upcoming women in the sector.
She also implored women who are players in the industry to show themselves as the role model and mentor for the upcoming women in the sector by training other women to take over from them.
In her remarks,National President Women in Energy Nigeria, Dr. Olatunji Owo, explained that the the event is a channel to celebrate women in oil and gas.
She revealed that women currently hold below 20 percent affirmative action as players in the industry so the conference will help to create the awareness for women to increase participation in oil and gas industry.
She added:“Women represent only about seven percent in the sector as of today, which is why we organise the forum to highlight the need to create more space for women.”