Event Recap | Women in Energy Network

The Women In Energy Network (WIEN) recently participated in the inaugural Oil & Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) Human Capacity Development (HCD) Conference & Expo 2026, held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Warri, Delta State.

Held under the theme, “Empowering People. Driving Performance. Shaping the Future of the Oil & Gas Industry,” the conference brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria’s energy and human capital development ecosystem, including industry leaders, regulators, training institutions, learning and development professionals, indigenous training providers, academics, and young professionals.

A Vibrant WIEN Presence

The OGTAN HCD Conference provided more than an opportunity to exhibit. It was a platform to strengthen relationships, engage new audiences, and advance conversations around greater participation of women and young people in Nigeria’s energy industry.

WIEN’s presence at the conference was further strengthened by members of the Network’s leadership, including Ibiene Okeleke, Secretary, Board of Trustees (BOT), and the WIEN Academy Director, Dorothy Eboh, who joined the delegation and engaged with stakeholders throughout the conference.

Also representing WIEN prominently was Funmi Ogbue, Co-Founder and First President of WIEN, who served as a panel session speaker, Conference Chair, and Chairman of the OGTAN HCD Conference Planning Committee.

Throughout the conference, the WIEN exhibition booth attracted a steady stream of visitors from across the energy ecosystem. Delegates stopped by to learn more about WIEN, its membership categories, programmes, and initiatives, while existing members and industry stakeholders also used the opportunity to reconnect with the Network.

Particularly encouraging was the strong interest from young students and emerging professionals, who visited the booth with questions about careers in the energy sector and how they could become part of the WIEN community.

Connecting With the Next Generation

The presence of students at the conference was one of the most meaningful aspects of WIEN’s participation. Many of the young visitors were eager to understand how they could position themselves for opportunities within the energy sector and how WIEN could support their growth.

These interactions provided an opportunity to introduce young women to the Network while reinforcing the importance of mentorship, exposure, and connecting the next generation with experienced women in the industry.

Membership Growth

The conference generated significant interest in WIEN membership, with several visitors expressing interest in joining the Network and becoming more actively connected to the community. These prospective members included young students, emerging professionals, and industry leaders interested in WIEN’s work and the opportunities available through its network.

For WIEN, these engagements represent more than numbers. Each new connection is an opportunity to bring another woman into a community designed to support professional growth, confidence, visibility, mentorship, and greater participation in the energy sector.

Partnerships & Collaborations

Beyond membership conversations, the conference created space for potential partnerships and collaborations.

Discussions with organizations and individuals across the HCD ecosystem opened possibilities for future collaboration around capacity development, knowledge sharing, professional development, and initiatives that can create greater opportunities for women and advance the participation of young people in energy.

These engagements reflect the value of WIEN’s participation in industry platforms: to be present, identify shared priorities, build relationships, and turn conversations into action that advances women’s participation and leadership in the energy space.

Strengthening WIEN’s Role in Human Capital Development

Human capital development remains central to the future of Nigeria’s energy industry. The OGTAN HCD Conference provided a platform for stakeholders to address skills gaps, strengthen training capacity, encourage innovation, and consider the workforce required to support the industry’s evolving needs.

As Nigeria’s energy sector evolves, the industry will need not only technical competence, but also diverse perspectives, inclusive leadership, and deliberate investment in the people who will drive the sector forward.

WIEN remains committed to being part of this conversation and to ensuring that women and girls are not left behind in the development of Nigeria’s future energy workforce.

Looking Ahead

From meaningful conversations around capacity development to engagements with students, prospective members, and potential partners, WIEN’s participation at the OGTAN HCD Conference reinforced the importance of ensuring that women are fully represented in conversations shaping the future of the energy industry.

The conference created new opportunities for WIEN to expand its reach, strengthen relationships, and advance its mission.

WIEN looks forward to nurturing these new connections and transforming conversations into partnerships, programmes, and opportunities that create lasting value for women and girls across Nigeria’s energy sector and beyond.