The President of the Women in Energy Network, Eyono Fatayi-Williams, says the group is strengthening its efforts to prepare young girls for careers in Nigeria’s energy sector. She made this known on Tuesday during the 2025 Annual General Meeting of WIEN in Lagos, where members, partners and guests gathered to review the network’s progress and ongoing projects.
Speaking at the event, Fatayi-Williams reflected on WIEN’s recent initiatives aimed at promoting girls’ interest and participation in STEM and energy-related fields. She noted that the organisation has continued to use different platforms to inspire and guide young girls. According to her, through career talks, practical 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.”
She highlighted the network’s collaboration with NLNG in Port Harcourt, which led to the hosting of the Girls in STEM Career Fair. The event brought together students from five government secondary schools. Fatayi-Williams explained that it created a unique opportunity for the students to learn directly from women professionals in STEM and energy. She said, “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.”
Fatayi-Williams also spoke about WIEN’s broader strategy to nurture future women energy leaders through the Collegiate Mentorship Programme, which began in 2024. The programme was launched in partnership with Professor Rowena Torres of the University of the Philippines. As part of this effort, the Collegiate Community organised its first research webinar for the network and hosted a two-day Microsoft Excel masterclass aimed at improving members’ technical skills.
The president stressed the importance of mentorship and practical learning in building capacity for women in the sector. She said, “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.’”
Fatayi-Williams added that these initiatives form part of WIEN’s ongoing effort to empower the next generation of women leaders in energy and STEM. She also highlighted the network’s partnerships that support women-owned and women-led businesses. According to her, WIEN strengthened its support for these businesses through a new partnership with eTranzact International Plc, a major payment and technology infrastructure provider in Nigeria. She explained that through this partnership, corporate members and business owners will benefit from discounted FIRS e-invoicing solution rates. She said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to empowering women in business, easing compliance costs and supporting the competitiveness of women-led enterprises in Nigeria’s digital economy.
As WIEN marks its fifth anniversary, Fatayi-Williams emphasised the need for continuity and growth. She stated, “While we celebrate our successes, we also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Our story is still being written. The next chapters must be bolder, louder and even more impactful.”
She urged members to remain committed to advancing women and girls in energy. “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 said.
