Nigerian women in maritime and energy sectors have been encouraged to lead with love and make intentional efforts to uplift each other in a bid to increase the number of women players at the top echelon in the sectors.
This call was made at the 2025 edition of Women in Maritime and Energy Awards (WIME), which held at the prestigious Lagos Oriental hotel on Friday, where several eminent women were celebrated for their resilience, innovations and contributions to the nation’s maritime and energy sector growth.
Speaking at the event, one of the award recipients and Founder of Lelook Bags, Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa, harped on the need for women to work together in a bid to promote and support one another.
The septuagenarian, who is also a former Acting Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), remarked that her success in business and career growth can be attributed to the immense support she received from several women.
Her words: “We are stronger together, no woman should put another down. At 74, I have seen a lot in business and career development. Most of the people, that made me who I am today, are women. I respect them a lot. Some have died, while some are still living; but my number one admonition to women is to love themselves.”
In her welcome address, the Chairperson, WIMEAwards Advisory Board, Dr. Chizoba Anyika, said the event, which marked the 4th edition, is more than just recognition.
“WIMEAwards is about celebrating resilience, innovation, and the undeniable impact of each and everyone of us in these industries. Tonight is about celebrating how far we’ve come and we are also looking ahead.
“Our goal is to build stronger networks, create more mentorship opportunities, and push for policies that truly support women in maritime and energy. We want to work with organizations, industry leaders, and policymakers who are ready to take action-not just in words, but in meaningful commitments,” Anyika said.
During a fireside chat moderated by a Board Member of WIMEAwards and Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, panelists explored the necessary policy and attitudinal changes needed for women to play more roles in maritime and energy sectors.
The Regional Sales & Marketing Manager for West Africa, Schlumberger (SLB), Diane Morbelli, argued that the changes to support women growth in the energy sector must start with strong ideals, goals and policies.
“We need to push our objectives until it becomes part of our DNA in the sector. There should be a strategic engagement with the men to remove the unconscious bias. These biases could be in thoughts like: is she be able to do it? Didn’t she just have a baby? Is she strong enough for it? The men should let the woman answer these questions and not assume or decide for her,” Diane posited.
Also speaking, the Managing Solicitor Trizon Law Chambers, Barr. Foluke Akinmoladun, emphasised that women should have the freedom to be themselves, even as they bring value to the workplace and attain work-life balance.
“Sometimes, it is the little things that we do in the small spaces that make the difference in the larger industry. The maritime industry is one that has the smallest amount of women playing in the sector. A lot of Nigerian, as well as international, reports have shown that women inclusion enhances the performance of such organisations.
“There are stringent conditions for accessing finance, therefore, it is also difficult find women ship owners and ship agents. Capacity building, putting women forward and having polices that promote women should be prioritised. There is a lot that needs to be done, even though a lot is currently being done,” Foluke said.
Meanwhile, the highpoints of the event were the presentation of awards in platinum and titanium categories to distinguished women in maritime and energy sectors including; the CEO, Lelook Bags, Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa; the President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Odunayo Ani; Team Lead, Gobel Energy and Logistics Services Limited, Mrs. Ruth Chukwukezirim; among others.
