In the bid to celebrate Strength, Inspire Change, Oilserv Group honours women on International Women’s Day on Friday, March 7, 2025 in a celebration unlike any other.
It was more than just an event; it was a movement, a reaffirmation of purpose, and a call to action. In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Oilserv, in collaboration with the Oilserv Women Network (OWN), hosted an inspiring gathering that blended learning, empowerment, and heartfelt conversations.
Held at The Nook Apartments, the event welcomed women from Bases 1, 2, 5, and 6, while colleagues from Base 8, Lagos, and other locations joined virtually. Lesley Ozue skillfully moderated the day, ensuring a seamless flow of discussions and activities.
As is customary at Oilserv, the day began with a safety moment led by Doris Toby, followed by an opening prayer from Patience Ndukwe, setting a reflective tone for what was to come.
Harriet Akano, Group Head of Human Resources and Corporate Services (GHHR), delivered a powerful opening address, emphasizing that true progress requires more than just dialogue; it demands action. She urged every woman in attendance to commit to tangible steps that drive gender equality and empowerment.
Acknowledging the dedication of Oilserv’s women across various roles, she encouraged them to fully embrace the mission of OWN and actively contribute to advancing its objectives.
The interactive session that followed, led by Lesley Ozue, invited women to reflect on their unique strengths, their “superpowers.” One by one, participants shared the skills and qualities that set them apart, creating a powerful moment of recognition and appreciation. It was a reminder that within the Oilserv community, every woman brings something extraordinary to the table.
The first guest speaker, Nwando Ajene, a seasoned marketing executive, took the stage with an engaging session on personal branding. Through compelling stories and a dynamic multimedia presentation, she underscored the importance of being intentional about one’s image; both personally and professionally.
She highlighted how a strong, consistent brand opens doors and shapes opportunities. To deepen the discussion, participants were divided into groups to explore key insights from her presentation, making the session not just informative but also interactive and transformative.
Following a refreshing lunch break, Pastor Mrs. Tare Dite-Ojoko delivered a thought-provoking session on unconscious bias. With over 24 years of legal experience and a certification in clinical and pastoral counseling, she examined how biases against women are subtly ingrained from childhood through family norms, education, media, and societal expectations.
A short but impactful video on identifying unconscious bias reinforced the session’s core message: biases must be challenged for true progress to be achieved. The discussion struck a chord with many, inspiring them to confront and dismantle the barriers that limit women’s growth.
As the event neared its conclusion, Lilian Abonuyo, President of the Oilserv Women Network, delivered a rousing keynote address. She reinforced the need for women, especially those in the oil & gas, and energy sector, to move beyond conversations and take decisive action. She emphasized that gender equality is not just a vision; it is a goal that requires continuous, intentional effort.
In her closing remarks, Chinwe Uche expressed deep appreciation to Oilserv’s management, the GHHR, Harriet Akano for her steadfast support, the OWN leadership under Lilian Abonuyo, and the planning committee led by Emmanuella Agamah. She urged everyone to carry forward the momentum from the event, turning inspiration into action.
As Oilserv women left the event, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to accelerate action. The journey toward gender equality is ongoing, but with each bold step, progress becomes inevitable.
