The Federal Government is under pressure to attract more investors to the nation’s oil and gas sector by improving policies and ending the practice of gas flaring. The Director of the International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil, and Gas, Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Ogochuku Okekpolo, emphasized this during the induction of pioneer members in Warri.
Okekpolo stressed the readiness of women professionals to assume leadership roles in these critical sectors. She criticized the prevailing cultural norms that relegate women to the background, highlighting the abundance of female experts in the oil and gas industry and the need to provide a platform for their visibility.
Highlighting the environmental and economic implications, Okekpolo lamented the wastage of gas reserves through flaring, which could otherwise be harnessed as a valuable energy source for powering various applications and stimulating economic growth.
In her words, “The impact of gas flaring not only degrades our environment but also represents a significant loss of valuable resources. The by-products of oil and gas extraction could contribute immensely to our economic development.”
The call for an end to gas flaring resonates deeply with the urgent need for sustainable energy practices in Nigeria. It is pivotal for the government to prioritize sustainable energy initiatives and provide greater opportunities for women to contribute actively in the energy, oil, and gas sectors.
This initiative not only aligns with environmental conservation but also holds potential for unlocking economic opportunities through the effective utilization of natural resources.
By Hauwa Abu
