UKNIAF – Women on the Grid Hub (WotGH) and WIEN at the UKNIAF STEM Marketplace 2025 – Networking for STEM Women from all Demographies

The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) proudly participated in the highly successful Women on the Grid Hub (WotGH) STEM Advocacy Marketplace, an impactful initiative hosted by the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) on January 29, 2025.

The atmosphere at the Lake Greenfield Hotel and Towers in Abuja was electric, charged with the ambition and aspirations of the next generation. The event masterfully convened senior women executives from Nigeria’s power sector with promising final-year STEM university students and early-career professionals, creating a dynamic platform for mentorship, networking, and profound knowledge exchange.

At the heart of the marketplace, the WIEN networking stall was a vibrant hub of activity and connection. We were thrilled to engage directly with the future of our industry, and our team successfully connected with 37 bright and ambitious young women, offering them guidance, encouragement, and a welcoming entry point into our extensive professional network. Members of the WIEN Secretariat expertly managed the stall, Mrs. Asanimo Omezi (Executive Secretary) and Dogara Thomas, who were joined by the Madam Abimbola Onakomaiya (MD/CEO, Peakthrust Insurance Brokers Ltd.). Together, they fostered meaningful relationships that have undoubtedly extended far beyond the confines of the event.

The event was further enriched by the powerful voices and invaluable insights of several esteemed WIEN members who served as speakers and mentors. Their willingness to share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes provided an indispensable roadmap for the attendees. We extend our immense gratitude and recognition to our leaders who took the stage:

Asanimo Omezi – Executive Secretary, WIEN

Folake Soetan – CEO, Ikeja Electric & Former WIEN Board of Directors Member

Wola Joseph-Condotti – VP, Power & Renewables, WIEN & MD/CEO, West Power & Gas Ltd.

Rahila Thomas – Country Director, EMRC

Victoria Loko Gom – Head, Business Development, Sahara Power Group

Engr. Chichi Emenike – VP, Upstream & Ag. MD/Gas Asset Manager, Neconde Energy Ltd.

Fatima Lawan Mukhtar – Company Secretary & Legal Adviser, TCN

Catherine Ashenuga-Farrer – Founder/CEO, Trennco Power Ltd.

Onyinye Anene-Nzelu – Former Head, Mini Grids, Engie Energy Access

Olajumoke Delano – Energy Executive & Multijurisdictional Lawyer

Abimbola Onakomaiya – MD/CEO, Peakthrust Insurance Brokers Ltd.

The UKNIAF STEM Marketplace reinforced the core principles that WIEN champions every day: the critical importance of mentorship, the power of representation, and the strength of a supportive community in building a more inclusive and diverse energy sector.

WIEN extends its sincere gratitude to the UKNIAF Women on the Grid Hub for creating such a vital platform. We celebrate every executive who shared her journey and every young woman who took a bold step toward her future. The connections made at this event are seeds planted for a stronger, more equitable, and innovative energy industry in Nigeria.

The future of energy is female, and together, we are building it.”