The Association of Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) has been urged to build a strong synergy that will uplift Nigerian women, especially the down trodden, to empower and change their narrative for national development.
Laying down the charge during the inauguration of the association’s national executive today at the headquarters of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, the permanent secretary Dr Mary Ogbe, 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 and make society better.
”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 is well, the whole nation is equally at peace. I am your member ” Ogbe added.
Furthermore, she admonished the incoming executive members to be cautious in decision making for the betterment of women and society at large.
”When you sit down to make decisions, consider how to help the larger society, for the betterment of the nation” the permanent secretary stated.
Addressing the gathering, the chairman of the board of trustees, Women in Mining in Nigeria, Dr Emeka Okengwu expressed optimism that the association will bring about positive changes in the country. He called on the newly elected national executives to push for policies that would enhance their performance and output through the permanent secretary of the ministry.
The president of WiMIN, Engr. Janet Adeyemi said the association works 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 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.
Elaborating further on the mission of the association, Adeyemi said: ”Our programme is 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”.
Delivering her goodwill message at the occasion, the former permanent secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dame Georgina Ehuria harped on the need to empower Women to enable them support their children and families.
She urged the ministry to support and carry along WIMIN, to facilitate growth in sector, which also translate to national development.
The executive secretary, NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji who was represented by Etareri Dekpe at the inauguration, congratulated every elected member and called on them to look into matters of equity, fairness and justice in the extractive sector – issues which are major, global concerns today.
A statement by the head of press and public relations, signed by Chinwe Ekwugha, said another highpoint of the occasion was the administering of oath on the newly elected national executives and the presentation of certificates by the director, legal department of the ministry, Nwamaka Odili.
Also present were the director of human resource management department, Alhaji Mohammed Suleman Kabir mni; Director, artisanal and small-scale mining department, Engr. Mohammed Yunnus; Special adviser to the minister, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, amongst others.
