As the women in Energy Network, WIEN, inaugurates a new leadership and celebrate the legacy of incredible impact in five years of its inception, the organisation calls on women across the energy value chain to connect with the platform to grow and shape the future of the energy sector.
The president of WIEN, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, made the call at the organisation’s 4th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos.
She commended the the
unwavering support and collective contributions of members to the growth of the Network over the years
“Today, that vision has blossomed into a formidable movement.
In the past five years, we have grown in size, significance, and impact — and we have done so because of the extraordinary women who make up this Network, our 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. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart”.
“As we close the chapter on 2025, we have reached certain milestones that speak volumes about the value and impact of this network, and I would like to reflect on some of our achievements. One of the most significant milestones this year has been our membership growth. I am pleased to announce that we have crossed the 1,000 mark, reaching an incredible 1,108 members.”
Mrs Fatayi-Williams, who was re-elected for another term in office? explained that the number was a reflection of a united voice in championing women’s advancement and participation in Nigeria’s energy industry, adding that
Their corporate membership remained robust, with four new corporate members this year, namely Corporate NNPC Retail Limited in February, Lonadek Global Services in July, Tenaris Nigeria in August, and TotalEnergies last month.
She said the phenomenal growth confirmed that WIEN was doing something right, as she threw more light on a major women’s event that resonated with the network.
“One of the defining highlights of this year was our International Women’s Day activities, which unfolded across multiple cities and through multiple partnerships, reflecting both the breadth and depth of WIEN’s commitment to women and girls in STEM and energy. We extended our IWD celebration to 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, we opened doors of possibility for young girls, helping them see energy and STEM not as distant dreams, but as attainable futures.”
According to Mrs Fatayi-Williams, WIEN also participated in Aradel Holdings’ IWD event, a powerful event that 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.
She noted that WIEN’s influence within the Nigerian energy landscape was strengthened through continued partnerships and active participation in several energy conferences, exhibitions, and industry events, including 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.
As Michelle Obama reminds us: “The ability to learn, to understand, to be curious about the world around you, is the most powerful tool you can have.”
This year, WIEN delivered a series of masterclasses, webinars, and health talks 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. The Collegiate Mentorship Programme, which began in 2024 in partnership with Professor Rowena Torres of the University of the Philippines, flourished in 2025, keeping our collegiates engaged in active learning. The Collegiate Community also organized its first Research webinar for the network and a two-day Microsoft Excel Masterclass.”
*Advocacy & Partnerships*
In September, WIEN had the honor of paying a courtesy visit to the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy. This engagement was both productive and strategic, leading to the development of a database of women-owned businesses that the government can promote, as well as identifying women ready for board and executive leadership positions.
WIEN deepened its support for women-owned and women-led businesses through a new partnership with eTranzact International Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading payment and technology infrastructure providers.
“Through this partnership, our corporate members and business owners will benefit from discounted FIRS e-Invoicing solution rates.
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 economy.”
“As part of our Continuing commitment to girls in STEM, this November, WIEN hosted a Girls in STEM Career Fair in Port Harcourt in collaboration with NLNG, bringing together five government secondary schools. The event offered career talks, mentorship sessions, and interactive stories, giving young girls direct exposure to women professionals and career options in STEM and energy fields. The event was inspiring, helping the girls see first-hand that these careers are not just possible, but attainable. This initiative is part of WIEN’s continued effort to nurture the next generation of women leaders in energy and STEM.”
*Recognition and Awards*
Our collective efforts and impact were recognized with two Industry Advocate awards at the NAEC Annual Energy Industry Awards & Conference and the Gas Investment Forum respectively, affirming our role as a leading advocate for women in 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.
“As we celebrate our growth, we recognize the exceptional leadership of our Board of Trustees and outgoing Board of Directors, whose guidance ensures the smooth and effective functioning of our network.
To the incoming Board, congratulations. You are stepping into a legacy that began five years ago, and we are confident that you will take us even further.
While we celebrate our successes, we also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Our story is still being written.”
The newly re-elected president solicited the continuous support of member to achieve the objectives of the network
“The next chapters must be bolder, louder, and even more impactful. The journey is ongoing, and there is still much work to be done. However, I am confident that with our continued support, collaboration, and determination, we will continue to shape the future of this industry, making it more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.”
“As we look ahead to 2026, I encourage all of us to renew our vow to each other and to the future: to continue to dream big, set bold and defining goals, and continue breaking glass ceilings. Let us be reminded that WIEN is a movement for equality and inclusion, a movement for excellence, and a movement for women in energy,” she concluded.
