The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASAN) Women Commission has called for greater inclusion of women in the nation’s energy sector, saying the industry stands to benefit significantly from full gender participation.
The National Chairperson of the Commission, Dr Maryann Mbanaso, made the call on Wednesday at the opening of the 4th edition of the PENGASAN Women Annual Convention in Abuja.
“Nigeria will be stronger, more innovative and more inclusive when the full potential of women is fully realised and harnessed,” she said.
She described the Commission’s journey as one driven by purpose, courage and steady progress, noting that women in the sector are key stakeholders rather than passive participants.
“The Convention, therefore, is more than a gathering; it is a call to action, and I encourage every woman sitting here today to embrace continuous growth, step boldly into leadership opportunities, mentor with intention and remain actively engaged in shaping the future of our union and beyond,” she stated.
Dr Mbanaso also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that inclusion requires collective effort.
“To our He-4-Shes and strong allies of the Commission, we thank you. The journey toward equity and inclusion is a shared one; our success depends on collective commitment,” she said.
She added that the Commission remains committed to empowering women through mentorship, advocacy, leadership development and strategic engagement within the association.
Reflecting on the impact of the annual convention, she said it has become a platform for dialogue, empowerment and capacity building.
“Even as we celebrate these achievements, we remain mindful that our work is far from complete,” she noted.
She urged women to remain focused and resilient in their pursuit of excellence.
“The dynamic woman of today must be intentional, forward-thinking and resilient. She must be willing to challenge outdated norms, pursue excellence with consistency and create opportunities not only for herself but for others,” she added.
The theme of the convention is “The Dynamic Woman: Shaping Tomorrow; Influence, Impact, Legacy.”
