Permanent secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, has stressed the need for Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) to work together towards improving the lot of Nigerian women, especially the down trodden, in order for them to contribute more significantly to national development.
WIMIN is an organisation that advances the interest of women involved in the solid minerals and mining industry.
Ogbe made the call during the inauguration of the national executives of WIMIN, held at the Ministry‘s Headquarters, Abuja, Thursday.
She described the body as a bridge builder which brings together women from across the nation to focus on implementing laudable programmes that will elevate the socio-economic status of women for the betterment of the society.
Ogbe noted that leading women was a difficult task, but that they should focus on achieving shared goals in order to make an impact in the industry.
‚‘Let’s turn our differences positively around for the common good of Nigeria, form a formidable force to rescue the downtrodden women. Let us work as a team to lift our women in the sector. When the women are well, the whole nation is equally at peace, ‚‘ Ogbe said and pledged that even after her tenure as perm sec in the ministry, she would continue to associate with the body.
The founder and president of WIMIN, Dr Janet Adeyemi, said the association was birthed to work for the empowerment of women in the mining sector not just as a goal, but as a transformative force, enriching individual lives and contributing substantively to the holistic development and prosperity of their communities.
‚‘Our mission is to foster a supportive community that inspires innovation, sustainability, and excellence, driving positive change for women and the mining sector as a whole. Together, we aim to shape a future where women play pivotal roles in shaping the mining landscape, contributing to its growth, and fostering a culture of equality, respect and shared success‘‘, the WIMIN president affirmed.
‚‘Our programmes are rooted in community engagement, research, capacity building, strategic dialogue, advocacy, and campaigns, are built on principles of partnership and a rights-based approach. Through these tools, we strive to break barriers, promote diversity, and ensure equal opportunities for women across all facets of the mining industry.‘‘
Speaking to journalists at the sidelines of the event, she said the inauguration was important to provide a structure for pursuing the goals of the association, adding that the body is present in 37 countries in Africa and 97 countries globally
She urged the incoming executives to lead by example; encourage creativity; provide support and encouragement; highlight strengths; show empathy; be positive; celebrate achievements; listen actively; have a „can do“ attitude; ignore distractions and be focused to build a sustainable legacy as they embark on this new chapter of leadership in order to lead with distinction and strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the mining sector and the lives of the citizenry.
In their speeches, the chairman, Board of Trustees of WIMIN, Dr Emeka Okengwu expressed optimism that the Association will bring about positive changes in the country, while the former permanent secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, MMSD, Dame Georgina Ehuria, concurred that to empower women is to empower the family and the nation. She urged the Ministry to support and carry along WIMIN in order to facilitate growth in the sector, which will also translate to national development.
Faith Nwadishi of Women in Extractives and executive director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy, spoke of efforts to increase the reporting of the activities of women in extractives in EITI reports and the importance of men to support the effort of the women.
On his part, the executive secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, who was represented by Etareri Dekpe at the inauguration, noted that the new leadership of the group is timely as matters of women equality, fairness and justice in the extractive sector is a major and global concern today.
