Sopuruchi Onwuka

Newly elected Publicity Director of the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Lola Oyenekan, is reporting to duty with newly acquired Advanced Business Communications Certificate after successfully completing her program at the School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University.

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The completion of the highly tasking program ads to Lola’s already overflowing basket of certificates and particularly equips her with the skills needed to drive stronger visibility, engagement, and influence for women in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Lola Oyenekan is the Corporate Communications Lead at Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), bringing over 20 years of experience across Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Strategy, and Stakeholder Management in the Oil and Gas sector.

She began her career with British Telecommunications (BT) and Verizon, and later served as Manager, Corporate Client Relationship at HSBC in Canary Wharf, where she led multimillion-pound projects and Global Custody initiatives for major investment banks.

Lola holds a BSc degree in Industrial Engineering Systems and Business Management from the University of Westminster UK, an MSc degree in Computer Systems Auditing from London Metropolitan University and is PRINCE2 certified.

She currently serves as President of Cohort 5 of the Advanced Business Communication program at Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication (SMC) parent company of the Prestigious, Lagos Business School (LBS).

She is also the Vice Chairman of the Energy Hub of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Mrs Oyenekan, who served as Class President of Cohort 5, highlighted the program’s impact during a valedictory session held at Lagos Business School Friday, explaining that the training enhanced her strategic communication abilities, sharpened her leadership voice, and provided tools that are essential for her new position on WIEN’s Board of Directors.

“WIEN is committed to advancing women across the energy value chain. This program has prepared me to communicate that mission with clarity and purpose,” she said. “It strengthened my confidence and helped me refine how I advocate for women’s participation, visibility, and leadership.”

Key modules such as Corporate Identity and Brand Management, PR Strategies for Media and Stakeholder Engagement, Digital Communication Methods, Strategic Branding, and Motivational Communication were central to her growth. Oyenekan noted that these sessions deepened her understanding of how to shape narratives, manage public perception, and build strong relationships with stakeholders.

She made special reference to the lecture on Corporate Identity and Brand Management by Prof. Silk Ogbu, describing it as an “awakening” that sharpened her professional presence and informed how she now represents WIEN’s values to the public.

“Effective publicity is more than messaging. It is understanding identity, managing perception, and presenting a clear and credible voice. This program delivered all of that,” Oyenekan said.

Oyenekan thanked the School of Media and Communications for what she described as a transformational learning experience and acknowledged the support of her organization, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), for nominating her for the course.

As part of its legacy, Cohort 5 pledged One Million Naira to support the school’s library, reinforcing their commitment to future learners.

With her expanded communication skills and strengthened leadership capacity, Oyenekan is expected to drive more strategic visibility initiatives for WIEN and amplify its mission to promote gender diversity, equity, and inclusion across Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Passionate about professional development and impact, she actively engages in local and international industry forums and mentor’s young women and children.