Sen. Margery Okadigbo, Board Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has called for empowerment and active women participation in the oil and gas industry to spur economic development.

He also urged female professionals in the industry to perceive women's economic empowerment as a call for lifting one another not only mere finance.

Okadigbo said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a Female Powered Breakfast Meeting, tagged: “Engaging the Female Potential” a session at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit  (NIES 2023).

The summit with the theme “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future” would hold from April 16 to April 20.

Okadigbo expressed dissatisfaction that only three women senators were participating in the event, adding that women should be encouraged to active representation.

“In economic empowerment, women should be interested in the positive ideas to sell and what to offer to the public for development and not only the money aspect of it.

“It is a matter of what you do that is impactful on people around. Women should also support one another, express pleasantries and admiration and avoid fanning enmity,” he said.

Speaking, Mrs. Nkechi Obi, Group Managing Director, Techno Oil Limited, urged women in the sector to be focused and foster hard work in all ramifications.

Obi, who described hard work and focus as the key to success in life, advised women to nurture the younger ones to be successful in life.

Also, Dr. Lami Ahmed, a Board Member of NNPC Ltd, advised women to have value to attract those in need of their various services.

Ahmed decried the poor participation of women at the National Assembly and called for active participation, especially in the formulation and implementation of policies.

She said active participation would enable women to strategically identify policies inhibiting growth or creating barriers to ensure their eradication.

Dr. Zainab Gobir, Executive Director,  Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning Directorate,  Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulation Authority (NMDPRA), advised women on collaboration and networking to develop themselves and society.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Sen. Okadigbo, professional women in the industry, and others for their contributions to the industry.