Nigeria’s leading gender equity advocate and women capacity building driver, Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has finalized arrangements with the Lagos State government to provide on-the-street girls with several skills that would enable them fit into the state’s energy industry.

Executive Secretary of WIEN, Engr Asanimo Omezi, who led a delegation of the group to the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), the partnership aims to work out flexible training arrangements to be resourced by the state and supported by WIEN.

The delegation which was received by the Generals Manager of LSEB, Engr. K.A.T Balogun, was at the board to work out implementation of an earlier understanding reached with the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, who pledged to promote synergy with WIEN on female empowerment programmes.

The commissioner had in January assured the WIEN delegation led by the President, Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams, that his ministry would initiate platforms for women professionals to contribute to the growth of the energy industry.

Engr Ogunleye encouraged WIEN to key in and be actively involved in the various initiatives of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in the energy sector.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Ms. Mosunmola Shashore, had also applauded WIEN for its strategic initiatives to position women in their rightful place.

Mrs. Fatai-Williams had declared that WIEN believes in the competence of their members and also inspires women in the energy sector with insights, experiences, and expertise.

WIEN President, Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams (m) and Engr Ogunleye had set the stage for partnership

In a subsequent visit to the LSEB weekend, Engr Asanimo and Engr Balogun agreed on implementation strategies that would see the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources assemble a team of professional, bureaucrats and academics to quicken the project’s planning phase.

According to Engr Balogun, the proposal aligns with Lagos State’s ongoing efforts on gender equality. He informed the delegation that his agency has started process of getting approval for the issuanceof international certifications to trainees from the Lagos Energy Academy.

The Oracle Today reports that WIEN drives its signature Supernova Girl initiative as key model in equipping women and girls with skills and opportunities to enable them thrive by making significant contributions in the nation’s energy sector.

The budding partnership with Lagos State government comes with the increasing programmes and projects by the state under the amended Electric Power Sector Reforms Act (EPSRA) which has devolved the power for industry regulations and operations to the three tiers of government in the country.

Besides, the Lagos State government drives a smart city project which emphasizes clean energy, emission reduction, gas penetration, technology and technical skill hubs.

In creating space for women in the several initiatives of the Lagos State government, WIEN has launched the “On-the-street Girl” Line Worker Empowerment Program. The hands-on training program enables on-the-street females to become line workers. It is also aimed at increasing the representation of women in technical fields, particularly in roles traditionally dominated by men, while enhancing their employability and income potential.

The objectives are to empower women with SSCE qualifications and STEM backgrounds by providing them with specialised training in line work; increase the representation of women in technical fields such as line work; and enhance the employability and income potential of participants.

Expected outcomes are to increase participation of women in technical fields; equip participants with specialized skills and certifications in line work; guarantee the financial independence of beneficiaries; and enable participants contribute to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.

The partnership also seeks to enhance the inclusion of women engineers and promote gender equity in the Lagos State energy industry, and create opportunities for women in leadership positions.

According to Engr Omezi, the request for more leadership positions for women in the state falls in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Agenda which emphasize social inclusion, gender equality and the youth empowerment.

WIEN emphasized the unique contributions women can bring to the Lagos State’s energy programmes, including innovative approaches to sustainable energy solutions, a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, and the ability to drive community focused projects.

Engr. Balogun, avowed LSEB’s commitment to fostering gender diversity and expressed the board’s recognition of women’s involvement as critical to the successful implementation of the state’s energy strategies.  He noted that integrating women’s perspectives and skills will not only enhance the state’s ability to achieve its energy goals but also ensure a more inclusive and resilient energy future.

This visit marks a significant step towards integrating the talents and insights of women into Lagos State’s energy agenda, reflecting a shared vision for a more sustainable and equitable energy landscape for the megacity project.