Int’l Women’s Day 2024: Group Hosts Hangout, Seeks Increased women participation In Oil, Gas Sector

By Ugwu Paul

The Delta State Chapter of the International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil, and Gas hosted an "Energy Women Hang-Out" to commemorate International Women's Day 2024.

The celebration which was held in Udu Local Government Area of the state, was a momentous gathering which took place over the weekend,
echoing the global theme "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress, Inspire Inclusion."

In her opening address, Mrs. Ogochuku Okekpolo, Head of Corporate Services at Bicens Resources Limited and Director of the International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil, and Gas, Delta State Chapter, expressed her heartfelt enthusiasm for the inauguration of the Delta State Chapter. Established on November 23rd, 2023. The Delta State Chapter stands as a testament to its dedication to supporting women in the oil and gas industry, fostering collaboration, and embracing women entrepreneurs within the energy value chain.

Okekpolo reminisced the forum's humble beginnings in Houston, Texas five years ago, with a vision to empower women in the oil and gas sector through information sharing, exposure, education, and networking. She emphasized the transformative potential of equipping women with financial resources, addressing the industry's gender disparities and Nigeria's developmental trajectory.

A key objective of the forum is to encourage women's participation in STEM fields, a cause passionately advocated by Okekpolo and her peers. Highlighting recent research revealing a decline in girls opting for science courses, Okekpolo stressed the importance of breaking societal barriers and empowering women to succeed.

Sharing her personal journey, Okekpolo reiterated the forum's commitment to changing the narrative and contributing significantly to Nigeria's development, recognizing that empowering women equates to empowering the nation.

As International Women's Day was commemorated, the forum's focus remained steadfast on inspiring inclusion and teamwork. Okekpolo urged women to actively participate, make meaningful contributions, and take on leadership roles, emphasizing that their visibility and results define their inclusion.

Tesiri Ekorhi, Secretary of the Forum, echoed the inherent strength and resilience of women, advocating for gender equality and economic empowerment. Crescentia Osabor, the Chapter's Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of recognizing and harnessing every woman's potential, driving gender equality and sustainability.

Osabor introduced the "5Cs" roadmap—Consciousness, Conservation, Community, Commercialize, and Culture—as a strategic framework for women's empowerment and societal progress. In her call to action, she urged women to embrace their daring spirit, prioritize sustainability, and work collaboratively towards an inclusive future.

Dr. Omoba Nkechinyere, from Lilly Hospitals in Warri, underscored the critical role of women's health in national well-being, emphasizing preventive measures and early detection.

The fun activities included a beach pageant, dance aerobics, and boat cruise providing opportunities for bonding, networking , the "Energy Women Hang-Out" exemplified the spirit of unity and empowerment.