APC Group Urges Tinubu To Empower Women, Drive Energy Sector

An All Progressives Congress (APC) group, Renewed Hope USA, has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give leading roles to women in the oil and gas sector to unlock their potential and boost economic growth in the country.

At the APC Economic Conference 2026 in New York recently, Ambassador Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye, the secretary of Renewed Hope (USA), emphasised the crucial role of women in driving Nigeria’s energy potential.

“We have the capacity to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth,” she said, and called for diversity and inclusion in the sector.

Despite Nigeria being Africa’s largest oil producer, women make up only 18-22% of the workforce, and a few hold leadership positions. Initiatives like the Women in Oil and Gas Intervention Fund and Women in Nigeria’s Gas Sector (WINGS) aim to address these disparities.

Animashaun-Ajiboye urged stakeholders to create a level playing field for women, citing benefits such as job creation, reduced emissions and sustainable growth.

To achieve this, experts advocate for gender-inclusive hiring, mentorship, STEM education for girls and supportive policies.

As Nigeria shifts to gas and renewables, women’s inclusion is vital for growth. “We fuel not just engines, but hope, equality and prosperity for generations,” Ambassador Animashaun-Ajiboye said.

Similarly, Chief Emeka Molokwu urged the party leadership to create a template to ensure continuity in governance during his address.

Prof. Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani, in his lecture, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to leverage platforms like the Diaspora Bridge Hub to share expertise and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

He encouraged them to network with local institutions, establish skills centres and utilise the Trans-border Education Policy.

APC leaders, including the national deputy chairman (South), Chief Emma Nweuku, chief of staff to the party’s national chairman, Mallam Dawaki and senior special assistant to the APC national chairman, Dr Peace Longdet, praised the diaspora members’ commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 success story.