Africa’s leading gender equity advocate in the energy sector, the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), has expressed excitement at the appointment of Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited.

A statement from the Executive Secretary of WIEN, Engr Asanimo Omezi, commended the board of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited; and congratulated Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan on the appointment which takes effect on December 1, 2025.

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WIEN noted that the appointment marks a historic milestone as Mrs. Olaniyan becomes the first woman to lead the company in its 26-year history, a moment that signals the value of inclusive and forward-looking leadership.

WIEN also described the appointment as real progress for gender representation in the leadership of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Mrs. Olaniyan brings more than three decades of industry experience across upstream operations, corporate strategy, safety, environment and stakeholder management. Her track record of improving operational efficiency, strengthening sustainability standards and guiding complex reforms shows the depth of expertise she will bring to her new role.

President of WIEN, Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, declared that Mrs. Olaniyan’s appointment is a clear statement that Midwestern is taking a decisive step toward stronger governance, inclusive leadership and a more diverse executive pipeline. She added that elevating a leader of Mrs. Olaniyan’s caliber reflects the company’s commitment to building a modern and resilient organization.

Mrs. Fatai-Williams also applauded Midwestern’s efforts to strengthen governance, expand leadership capacity and support national energy goals. She expressed confidence that Mrs. Olaniyan’s depth of experience would reinforce the company’s drive for excellence and improved transparency. She highlighted that Mrs. Olaniyan’s record of delivering operational improvements and sustainability reforms positions her well for the role.

“WIEN values Midwestern’s action as the kind of progress needed to create a more balanced and competitive energy industry, adding that the appointment sends a clear message to women across the sector that their contributions and capabilities are being recognized. This appointment at Midwestern is a strong step forward for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s energy sector; and a clear commitment to building a more diverse and future ready leadership structure.”

According to Mrs Fatai Williams, WIEN is confident that Mrs. Olaniyan will bring clarity, discipline and a strong sense of purpose to her new role, while supporting the country’s wider energy industry goals.

Mrs. Olaniyan’s appointment clearly aligns with WIEN’s mission to advance female leadership and expand opportunities for women at all levels of the energy value chain.

“We are proud of this achievement and what it represents for women across the industry. WIEN remains committed to advancing female leadership and ensuring that women at all levels have the support, visibility and opportunities they need to rise.

“We congratulate Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan and wish her every success as she takes on this important responsibility. Her appointment inspires a new generation of women who are shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy sector,” WIEN stated.