By Ayomide Otitoju
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has reaffirmed its expanding influence and growing role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable energy sector as it marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a renewed commitment to women’s leadership across the industry.
Addressing members, partners, and industry stakeholders, WIEN President Eyono Fatai-Williams highlighted five years of measurable progress and a future driven by ambition and innovation. She noted that WIEN—created to advance opportunities for women across the energy value chain—has evolved into a strong advocacy movement promoting equity, leadership, and technological advancement.
WIEN’s membership has grown to 1,108, with four additional corporate members joining in 2025. According to the organisation, this expansion reflects its rising credibility amid rapid transformation across the energy sector.
Over the past year, WIEN strengthened its STEM pipeline for girls and women through International Women’s Day career fairs in Lagos and Port Harcourt, alongside participation in national and global IWD activities. These initiatives connected young girls with mentors and career opportunities, helping shape a diverse future workforce.
The network also broadened its industry footprint by taking part in key energy conferences, exhibitions, and policy dialogues in Nigeria, Africa, and Europe. These engagements enabled WIEN to push for gender inclusion, advocate for diverse leadership, and promote sustainable energy solutions.
Innovation and capacity building remained a priority. Through masterclasses and webinars on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, financial management, investment, and regulatory compliance, WIEN equipped members with skills suited for a rapidly evolving industry. Its Collegiate Community further advanced the Girls in STEM agenda through mentorship, research, and digital skills programmes.
WIEN also strengthened its national advocacy efforts with a high-level visit to the Special Adviser to the President on Energy. The engagement produced a new database of women-owned energy businesses and qualified female leaders to support fair representation in decision-making and industry participation.
A new partnership with eTranzact International Plc will offer digital solutions to women-led enterprises, helping them navigate Nigeria’s increasingly technology-driven economy. WIEN’s work earned two Industry Advocate Awards, underscoring its growing influence and sector-wide impact.
Fatai-Williams commended the outgoing leadership team and welcomed the new Board, stressing the need to build on WIEN’s strong foundation. “As we step into 2026, WIEN will continue to drive inclusion, spark innovation, and champion sustainability across the energy landscape. Our strength lies in our unity, our vision, and our commitment to shaping the future,” she said.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by WIEN’s founding President, Mrs. Funmi Ogbua, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Cecilia Aqua-Umoren described 2024 as a year of growth, strategic engagement, and heightened visibility for the organisation. She reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting WIEN’s leadership, strengthening governance, and ensuring continued progress in advancing gender diversity in the energy sector.
The AGM closed on a positive note with the election of a new executive team led by Fatai-Williams, who was re-elected for another term. Members expressed renewed dedication to expanding WIEN’s impact and reinforcing its role as a key driver of transformation within Nigeria’s energy industry.
