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Women Inclusion Is key To Unlocking Potential Of Oil And Gas Industry—The oil and gas industry is the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, providing thousands of direct and indirect jobs and contributing substantially to the nation’s foreign reserves.

It is a known fact that oil alone accounts for 40 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 70 per cent of budget revenues and 95 per cent of foreign exchange earnings.

Despite the invaluable contribution of the sector to the economy, experts believe that it still has huge potential, and that there is need for deliberate inclusion of women in the sector to unlock the potential.

However, the industry remains male-dominated at all levels; from leadership roles in major corporations to jobs in mines and on oil rigs.

According to a recent study by the Global Energy Talent Index, whereas women make up 48 per cent of the global labour force, they only account for 22 per cent of the labour force in the oil and gas sector.

The study said women occupied about 50 per cent of non-technical positions at entry-level compared to only 15 per cent of technical and field role positions.

“This implies that the gender diversity and inclusion decreases with seniority, with only a tiny proportion of women in executive positions. 

“The percentage of women in the industry drops from 36 per cent to 24 per cent between the middle and executive levels,” the study added.

In Nigeria, women have been pushing for more inclusion in the energy space and are beginning to make progress despite the socio-economic, political and cultural challenges.

For instance, Mrs Elohor Aiboni, was in March 2021 appointed as the first female Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. (SNEPCO).

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari, in January 2022 appointed Sen. Margery Chuba-Okadigbo as the pioneer Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd.

Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said the Federal Government had been deliberate in introducing gender-friendly policies that would promote women inclusion in the oil and gas industry.

Sylva, who spoke at a recent Nigerian Women in Oil and Gas Conference in Lagos, said this included increasing access to funding, award of contracts and support for research and development in the interest of women operators in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The minister harped on the need to get more girls into Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which was a pathway to careers in the oil and gas industry.

He also advised women in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to work together towards increasing participation of women in the industry by engendering growth, building capacities and capabilities, identifying opportunities, mentoring and coaching.

Also, Mr Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), recently announced that the board would soon begin the disbursement of the 40 million dollar Women in Energy Fund to support women in the sector.

Wabote said the fund was set up by the NCDMB in partnership with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), adding that 15 applications had been received and three had been approved for disbursement.

He also canvassed the inclusion of women in the administration of the various Trusts and Funds that were established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, notably the Host Community Development Trust, Host Community Development Trust Fund and Environmental Remediation Fund.

The NCDMB boss further confirmed that the Oil and Gas Industrial Parks in Bayelsa and Cross River were getting ready for completion and would commence operations in 2023.

He noted that the board had started inviting applicants for allocation of plots to set up manufacturing outfits in the park and encouraged women-owned businesses with workable proposals to apply.

Wabote promised that women would be given special consideration as part of the board’s commitment to mainstream them into the oil and gas industry.

On her part, Chuba-Okadigbo has challenged the NCDMB to institute a development programme like the Project 100 for oil and gas firms owned by women.

She said the implementation of the PIA provided a good opportunity to mainstream more women in oil and gas activities and also recommended formal mentorship and role modelling for younger women.

While the recent appointments of Chuba-Okadigbo and Aiboni are quite significant, experts believe that there is a lot that still need to be done for inclusion of more women in the oil and gas industry.

Mrs Funmi Ogbue, President, Women in Energy Network, insists that government at all levels should promote women leadership in the energy sector by appointing more women to head agencies and institutions at sectional, regional and international levels. 

Ogbue said this would help bridge the gap in the sector, while also giving more women opportunities to contribute their quota to national development.

Also, Mrs Anita Ogboile, Chief Executive Officer, Deep Blue Energy, said there was need to create awareness of STEM and its importance to younger females, especially those in secondary schools.

Ogboile said demystifying the myth that women would not succeed in the industry was very key and would help encourage others to go into the sector.

Indeed, the exploits of women in the oil and gas sector holds brighter prospects for the sector, and invariably the economy

 

CREDIT: Solomon Asowata and News Agency of Nigeria

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News

Bisbam CEO, Abisola Bamidele, Bags Owu Chieftaincy Title..Becomes Erelu Borokini Of Owu Kuta

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Bisbam CEO, Abisola Bamidele, Bags Owu Chieftaincy Title..Becomes Erelu Borokini Of Owu Kuta

Come Friday, December 1, 2023, His Royal Highness, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, will install Mrs Abisola Bamidele as first Erelu Borokoni of Owu, Kuta.

All roads lead to Kuta, which promises to be a high society event laced with tradition.
To ensure that the chieftaincy ceremony is given a touch of class and panache, Mrs Bamidele fondly called Lady BisBam by her admirers, who have put all the finishing touches to make it a memorable day.
Abisola Bamidele, a visionary and an accomplished female entrepreneur and philanthropist, was born on 4th of July, 1970 in Epe, Lagos.
Lady BisBam, as she’s popularly known, from an early age, her curiosity and determination set her on a path of innovation and social impact. Her advocacy for preservation of culture and tradition had fueled her brand as “Alaga Iyawo” (Traditional Wedding MC) for over thirty years and still counting, she’s known and recognized home and abroad for excellence and her height of exposure even as “Alaga Iyawo”.
She stands as a luminary in her field. She has raised and still building brands (people) in her own capacity.

After records of accomplishment and success as Alaga Iyawo, Abisola Bamidele embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Well over ten years now, she founded BISBAM GLOBAL VENTURES (BisBam Place), a groundbreaking venture that stands as a testament to her dedication, offering a one stop sanctuary for Aso Oke, Aso Ebi, and resplendent traditional bridal ensembles. Complementing this, her brainchild “Arewa Jewellery Shop” adorns individuals with the finest pieces, celebrating the heritage of Nigerian culture. Her ability to identify market trends and adapt to evolving industries quickly propelled the company to success.

Known for her leadership acumen, Abisola Bamidele served as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in business. She became an advocate and a pioneer of an online Family Building Forum called HOME BUILDERS, which has close to 80,000 members. Driven by a desire to mend fractured families, this thriving community now unites nearly 80,000 members across the world, serving as a testament to its impact on the lives it touches.

Not content with personal success, Lady Bisbam established the “Alaga Academy,” popular called “THE RISING STARS.” This esteemed institution imparts invaluable mentorship and guidance to budding talents, serving on the Board of Trustees and acting as Matron. This organization nurtures emerging talents, fostering a legacy of empowerment, producing over 150 accomplished graduates. These graduates are now well established and are doing exploits in their respective areas.

Her dedication to supporting women facing cancer is a cornerstone of her philanthropic efforts. Through her work with numerous government agencies and not for profit organizations, Lady Bisbam has provided crucial resources, emotional support, and advocacy for women navigating the challenges of cancer.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavours and philanthropic initiatives, Lady Bisbam demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering spiritual and communal well-being. Recognizing the importance of faith and community, she dedicated herself to singlehandedly constructed two places of worship, a church and a mosque in two distinct communities. The impact of Abisola Bamidele’s generosity and vision for spiritual spaces transcended the physical structures themselves. Both places of worship became catalysts for community engagement, fostering connections, and promoting a sense of belonging among diverse groups.

Her commitment to constructing places of worship underscored [Entrepreneur’s Name]’s holistic approach to philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of addressing spiritual and communal needs alongside economic and social challenges. Through these endeavours, she left an enduring legacy of compassion, unity, and a deep respect for the diverse fabric of communities she touched.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. With over 100+ national and international awards to her name, Lady Bisbam is a true exemplar of excellence. In her leadership roles, be it as Chairperson of the Wonderful Women Foundation Network, or her integral position in Wauve Foundation, Nigeria, she has made significant strides in advancing causes dear to her heart.

As a matron of the Gleam Foundation (The Renewed Tribe Foundation) for the Less Privileged, she has been instrumental in providing support and opportunities for those in need. Her work in this area revolves around providing quality education for less privilege. Her advocacy work with African Women Cancer Awareness USA has been a beacon of hope for many.

In addition to her business achievements, Abisola Bamidele earned recognition for her philanthropic efforts. Awards and honors, such as OUTSTANDING FEMALE ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR 2022 (Nigerian Outstanding Leadership Award Platform), City People Awards – FEMALE ACHIEVERS AWARD 2023 to mention but a few, highlighted her dedication to creating positive change beyond profit margins.

Lady Bisbam’s online presence is nothing short of a digital phenomenon. With over half a million dedicated followers across various social media platforms, her influence resonates far and wide. This vast community is a testament to the depth of connection she cultivates through her work and advocacy. It’s not just a number; it’s a thriving network of individuals inspired by her message and leadership. Through these platforms, Lady Bisbam continues to amplify her mission, reaching hearts and minds with her empowering vision for a stronger, culturally enriched Nigeria.

In Lady Bisbam’s remarkable journey, we witness a fusion of grace, unwavering commitment, and boundless resilience towards her community. Her story is a tapestry woven with threads of cultural preservation, education, and the nurturing of a close-knit community. Lady Bisbam stands as a guiding light of leadership, with a steadfast dedication to uplifting Nigerian women and preserving their cherished heritage.

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Crime

Father of 11-year-old boy buried alive on the run

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Father of 11-year-old boy buried alive on the run—-Mr Oshodi, the father of the 11-year-old boy allegedly buried alive by his stepbrother at Apamsede, in Kogi, is said to be on the run, the newsmen reports.

Newsmen gathered that the shovel and the cutlass allegedly used to perpetrate the dastardly act by the stepbrother were also missing.

Passers-by rescued the 11-year-old on Wednesday after he had been buried by his stepbrother in a bush at the Silo community in Zango Daji, the Adavi Local Government Area of the state.

The 11-year-old boy was alleged to have stolen N1,000 belonging to his stepmother who instructed her son to punish him.

In meting punishment to the 11-year-old, the 17-year-old took his stepbrother into the bush where he allegedly buried him alive.

The Police Public Relation Officer, Kogi Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, had told NAN that Oshodi travelled and that the police were waiting for him to return for his own side of the story.

When NAN visited Apamsede community on Saturday, it was revealed that the father of the victim had absconded and that when the incident happened the father of the victim was at home.

The district head of Apamsede, Malam Garba Ahmed told NAN that on the day of the incident, the father of the 11-year-old boy, the stepmother and the stepson were summoned to the palace of the traditional ruler on what led to such act.

“When they came to the chief’s palace, Mr Oshodi, the father of the 11-year-old boy was present at the palace when both the stepson and stepmother gave reasons for their action,” the district Ahmed explained.

“The boy’s father probably ran away when we insisted on inviting the police to handle the matter.

“The stepmother and her son, Goodness, had confessed to committing the dastardly act.

“But the traditional council of our community has decided not to harbour such people in our land.

“Once the stepmother and her son finished facing the wrath of the law, we shall banish them from this land.

“But before we banish them, we will ensure that the family offer a sacrifice to cleanse the land,” he said.

NAN reports that the police team who brought the boy’s stepmother to their house in Apamsede on Saturday morning discovered that the shovel and cutlass allegedly used in burying the teenager were missing.

Although the house was under lock and key, the police team observed that there were some changes in the environment unlike what they saw on Friday during their visit.

“Somebody must have entered this your house. Yesterday, when we came here the house was locked and the window curtain inside wasn’t down as we can see now.

“Some of the things that we met outside here yesterday are no more here. Somebody must have come around here.”

The police who had to break the lock and key to gain entrance into the house when the woman claimed that she had no key to the house, alleged that most of the things inside the house had been taken away.

“Where’s the shovel and cutlass you said were in the house? This is because nothing is here. Somebody must have packed the valuables here,” one of the officers said.

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