(3 Minutes Read)
The Oil and gas sector has an appeal as a masculine field that women dare not enter. But that belief has become somewhat hackneyed. The entry of women into the sector perceived to be the exclusive realm of men no longer holds good. Nigeria, the largest producer of oil in Africa, is witnessing committed entry of women into the oil and gas sector.
The Oil and gas sector has an appeal as a masculine field that women dare not enter. But that belief has become somewhat hackneyed. The entry of women into the sector perceived to be the exclusive realm of men no longer holds good. Nigeria, the largest producer of oil in Africa, is witnessing committed entry of women into the oil and gas sector.
Here are the details of some iconoclasts, who set a new trail. Catherine Ifejika is the chairman and chief executive officer of Britannia-U, an indigenous integrated company that provides subsurface engineering, exploration and production, and consulting services in the energy sector.
After graduating from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, with a law degree, she was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1986.
Ifejika started her career in the oil and gas sector in 1987 as a junior counsel in Texaco’s legal department. She advanced to the position of secretary for public and government affairs for West Africa. Additionally, she served on the board of directors of the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture from 2001 to 2002.
Folorunsho Alakija is not far behind. She is currently holding the position of vice-chairman at Famfa Oil Limited. Not alone that, Folorunsho Alakija is regarded as one of the wealthiest black women in the world. Her interest is much beyond the hydrocarbon sector.
Not to fall behind, Godfrey Ogbechie is the group executive director of Rainoil Limited. Ogbechie earned a degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from the University of Calabar in 1988. She started her career in the banking sector, working for Fidelity Bank Plc and Universal Trust Bank Limited in a variety of roles. With her vast knowledge and expertise, Ogbechie has had a significant impact on Rainoil’s operations. She is responsible for overseeing the corporate support service functions of the organization, including human resources, information technology, and administration and facilities management.
It is a befitting tribute to these women who scripted success in a field, known for its roughness and toughness on the day the world is celebrating Women’s Day. Analysts predict that with the transition that is sweeping across the Nigerian hydrocarbon sector, more women would come forward to join the ranks with these leaders who set a new trend.
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It may be recalled that recently Nigeria’s topmost tycoon Aliko Dangote has commissioned the largest oil refinery in the continent to address the lack of refining capacity in the West African country, which is the largest producer of oil in Africa. The refinery is set to create many business opportunities down the line. Perhaps, that also will trigger a major induction of women into the space either as entrepreneurs or shrewd professionals.
