Advancing Women in Energy Through Knowledge Sharing

Beyond advocacy, the Women In Energy Network places strong emphasis on learning as a tool for empowerment. To achieve its mission of empowering and advancing women in energy, every year WIEN hosts a series of knowledge sessions designed to connect women with experts, industry and thought leaders, who can provide insight, perspective, and practical strategies for growth.

The sessions cut across a wide range of themes, from technical sessions on energy transition and sustainability, to health talks, financial management, and personal growth. Each one is thoughtfully designed to address the realities women face in the industry today, while equipping them for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Below is a roundup of the knowledge sessions that shaped the year:

1. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Safety: Quality Standards, Best Practices & Conversion Success

   11th March 2025 | 47 attendees

Nigeria’s energy transition is gaining momentum, with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) positioned as one of the key alternatives driving the shift away from reliance on liquid fuels. But with opportunity comes the responsibility of maintaining safety and standards.

This WIEN CNG webinar was facilitated by Engr. Ferdinand C. Okechukwu, Founder/Managing Director of Audma Integrated Services Ltd, and Engr. Ijachi Ega, Group Head, Mechanical and Head of Gas Infrastructure at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

These expert speakers unpacked the essentials of CNG adoption, from ensuring quality compliance to conversion best practices. Attendees left with both the technical knowledge and confidence to support Nigeria’s clean energy journey responsibly.

 

2. Life After Subsidy: Market Realities Post-Deregulation

22nd April 2025 | 98 attendees

Few reforms have reshaped Nigeria’s energy sector in recent years as critically as the removal of fuel subsidy. For professionals, investors, and even everyday consumers, deregulation has created new challenges while also opening doors for innovation and investment.

This WIEN Downstream/Midstream Webinar featured Baba Shettima Kukawa, Executive Director of Retail Operations and Mobility at NNPC Retail Limited, Kikelomo Afolabi, Value Maturation Manager at Aradel Holdings, and Olaposi Williams, CEO of Heyden Petroleum Limited.

Together, they provided a candid analysis of what deregulation really means on the ground: from pricing dynamics and consumer behavior to supply chain disruptions and long-term opportunities.

For many attendees, it was a chance to hear directly from the people shaping the downstream space, and to prepare themselves for the “new normal” of the post-subsidy market.

3. Mental Health & DEI: Navigating Workplace Inequities with Resilience

3rd June 2025 | 24 attendees

While energy conversations often focus on infrastructure, innovation, and investment, the human dimension is just as essential. Women in the industry continue to face discrimination and inequities — from subtle biases to systemic barriers — that affect not only their careers but also their mental wellbeing.

In this session, Bosede Christiana Oyelakin, Founder and Executive Clinical Director of My Unburden Hub, led a deeply engaging conversation on resilience and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, especially as women in male-dominated fields.

The session explored strategies for managing stress, navigating inequities, and fostering inclusive environments. Though the attendance was smaller than usual, the impact was deeply personal. Many participants described it as a safe space where they could reflect on their own experiences and leave with tools to prioritize both wellbeing and career advancement.

 

4. Financial Management for Owner-Managed Businesses

15th July 2025 | 54 attendees

For many women professionals in the industry who run their own businesses, financial management is often one of the toughest hurdles to growth. This masterclass, facilitated by Bolanle Afolabi, Partner, Accounting and CFO Advisory at KPMG Nigeria, delivered practical guidance tailored to the realities of owner-managed companies.

Participants learned how to structure their finances, streamline operations, and implement systems that position their businesses for sustainability and profitability.

By breaking down complex financial principles into actionable steps, the session gave attendees both clarity and confidence to take their enterprises to the next level.

 

5. Financial Masterclass on Investment Readiness for Women in Energy

12th August 2025 | 31 attendees

Access to funding remains one of the biggest barriers for women-led enterprises in Nigeria’s energy ecosystem. Recognizing this, WIEN dedicated a full session to demystifying the process of preparing for investment.

Dr. Babangida Kure, Managing Director of MyDeeds Ltd, walked participants through the fundamentals of what investors look for, how to present a business as investment-ready, and the common pitfalls to avoid.

More than just a theoretical discussion, the session provided participants with a roadmap they could immediately begin applying to attract and secure funding. For many, it was a confidence-boosting experience, transforming the daunting idea of “investment readiness” into a clear, achievable process.

 

6. Cyber Hygiene & Digital Safety for Energy Professionals

26th August 2025 | 32 attendees

As the world becomes more digital, so do the risks. Cybersecurity is no longer a niche IT issue but a daily reality for professionals, especially women in leadership who handle sensitive data and communications.

In this masterclass, Oshiorenua Adams, ICT Manager at Aradel Holdings, simplified the complex world of cyber threats into everyday practices. From password management to recognizing phishing attempts, participants learned practical ways to safeguard themselves and their organizations online.

The message was clear: in today’s digital workplace, cyber awareness is not optional, it is a leadership skill.

 

These knowledge sessions reflect WIEN’s holistic approach to empowerment. The Women In Energy Network is not only equipping women with technical expertise but also preparing them with the knowledge required to excel in a male-dominated industry.

By creating consistent opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, WIEN ensures that women are not just participants in the energy industry but leaders shaping its future.