A Nigerian politician and women’s leader who serves as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Women Mobilization to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon. Chief Mrs. Betty Onakpoma JP, has tasked Ambassador Ogochuku Okekpolo, Distinguished UN Envoy, to spearhead initiatives aimed at reducing the gender gap in Nigeria’s energy sector, championing advocacy for gender equality and inclusivity in the oil and gas industry, and promoting policies that facilitate women’s economic engagement and contribution to national progress.
Chief Onakpoma, who’s also the Convener of Delta Women in Politics, disclosed this in her congratulatory message to Ambassador Ogochuku Okekpolo on the occasion of her conferment as United Nations Eminent Ambassador in Abuja on Saturday, 21 September 2024.
She said I have the honor to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your prestigious appointment as a United Nations Eminent Ambassador by the Advanced Peace and Reconciliation Center of Nigeria, Abuja.
“This did not come to me as a surprise but an attestation to your antecedents on gender equality, empowerment, energy sector development, entrepreneurship and innovation, community engagement, international cooperation, and knowledge sharing; my prayer is that God in His infinite Mercies will grant you the ability to fulfill your mandate and success in the discharge of your duties”.
Betty noted that enhancing local content development in the oil and gas industry, showcasing Nigeria’s potential for global energy leadership, and supporting state-level policy reforms for gender equality will serve as an inspiration for future generations of women in energy.
In Betty’s scope of work to promote women’s empowerment, advance women’s interests, and promote inclusive governance, as well as collaborating with women’s groups, organizations, and stakeholders in implementing programs to improve women’s lives and livelihoods, she expressed readiness to partner with Ogochuku for increased social cohesion and stability.