The association of Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) has been tasked to work together to empower and uplift Nigerian women, particularly those who are marginalized. By doing so, they can change the story of Women in Nigeria for the better, leading to national development. While speaking at the National Executives of WIMIN inauguration in Abuja, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, said WIMIN plays the role as a unifying force that unites women nationwide to drive impactful programs aimed at improving the socio-economic Welfare of women and society as a whole.
She further urged the new Executive members to prioritize the wellbeing of women and society in their decision-making. The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of considering the impact on the nation and working towards its improvement when making choices. Dr. Emeka Okengwu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Women in Mining in Nigeria, in his address to the audience, stated that the Association is poised to catalyse transformative advancements within the nation. Dr. Okengwu charged the newly elected national executives to actively advocate for policies that will improve their effectiveness and Productivity with the support of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
Mission of the group is to create a supportive environment.
Engr. Dr. Janet Adeyemi, President of WIMIN, emphasized at the event that empowering women in the Mining sector is not just a goal, but a powerful force for positive changes that enhances lives and plays a significant role in the overall development and prosperity of our communities. The mission of the group is to create a supportive environment that encourages creativity, sustainability, and high standards, leading to beneficial changes for women and the mining industry overall.
Our shared objective is to create a vision of a future where women have significant influence in the mining field, helping it advance and promoting a Culture of fairness, respect, and mutual achievements, Engr. Dr. Adeyemi stated. She elaborated that the group’s approach is focused on involving the community, conducting research, developing skills, engaging in meaningful discussions, advocating for change, and running campaigns. These initiatives are founded on the idea of collaboration and a commitment to human rights.
New executives urged to foster innovation and offer support.
According to her, the main aim is to use these tools to flatten obstacles, champion inclusivity, and guarantee fair chances for women in every aspect of the mining sector. Thus, she called on the new executives to set a positive example, foster innovation, offer support and motivation, build strengths, display empathy, stay optimistic, commemorate successes, actively listen, maintain a positive attitude, disregard distractions, and stay concentrated in order to establish a lasting legacy as they enter this next stage of leadership. These executives’ goal should be to lead with distinction, pursue excellence, and create a beneficial change in both the mining industry and for the people.
During her goodwill address, Barr. Dame Georgina Ehuria, the ex-Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), said empowering women would help them provide for their families. She also encouraged her Ministry to work closely with Women in Mining in Nigeria to promote sector growth, ultimately contributing to national development. In his goodwill message, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), who was represented by Etareri Dekpe, congratulated all the elected members.
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He noted the leadership essence in addressing women’s equity, fairness, and justice issues in the extractive industry, which has become a significant global concern. Dr. Orji extended his well wishes to the women in mining for a successful beginning and encouraged the newly appointed National Executives to lead with vision and productivity. A notable moment during the event was when the newly elected national executives took their oath and received certificates from Barrister Nwamaka Odili, the Director of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development.