The urgent need for stronger partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society in advancing the global drive towards decarbonisation was underscored at the World Decarbonisation Summit 2025, held at the PTDF Centre in Abuja under the theme “Accelerating Decarbonisation for a Climate-Secure Future.”
The two-day summit, organised by the International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil & Gas (WEOG), was described by delegates as a defining moment in the global climate agenda. It brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and international advocates committed to advancing climate action.
In a post-event briefing, Ambassador (Dr.) Ogochuku Okekpolo, Pioneer Director of the Delta State Chapter of WEOG, UN Eminent Ambassador, and Gender Priority Strategy Ambassador, insisted that women must not be left behind in the global charge towards decarbonisation.
Quoting Ambassador Opeoluwa Sobowale, Director of Partnerships, G100 Million SDG Wing Nigeria, Dr. Okekpolo reinforced that “partnerships are the arteries through which impact flows.”
She stressed that stronger collaboration across governments, the private sector, and civil society is essential to provide funding, mentorship, and technological support for women-led climate initiatives.
“The global climate transition will remain incomplete if women are sidelined. We must build systems where women’s leadership is not optional but central to achieving net-zero targets,” she added.
Dr. Okekpolo, who also serves as Executive Director, Corporate Services at Revoseal Nigeria Ltd and a Certified Sustainability Advocate with the United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, further highlighted that women across Africa are pioneering renewable energy projects, climate-smart agriculture, and community resilience initiatives, yet remain under-recognised and underfunded.
Distinguished delegates and attendees at the event included Ambassador Sucex Bright of Focus Africa Series; Ambassador Ojiah Victoria Ogwuche (popularly known as Kicky), Founder of Connect Her Network Foundation; and Mrs. Adanna Kelechi Mbah, Founder of Reach Her Initiative and North Central Regional Chair, who represented Ambassador Dr. Tracey (Chizoba) Fletcher, G100 Nigeria Country Chair. Also present were Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC); Engr. Oyibo Ogale, Group Head, QHSE Downstream, Matrix Energy Group; Ambassador Joyce Joiner-Olabode FSM, Founder of Enitan Growthhub Foundation; and Dr. Helen Adebakin, Founder of the Southern Women Empowerment Forum.
Other notable attendees included Ambassador Dr. Chinwe Lilian Ike of the Visionary African Women Network; Ambassador Angonimi David Imeh, Executive Director of Hope Raisers Global Foundation; Ambassador Dr. Eugenia Ogechi FCA, a renowned tax and finance expert and women’s empowerment advocate; Mr. Iweze Chukunweike, Managing Director of Kortch Consult Ltd; and Engr. Benjamin U. Ozobeme FNSE, a member of the Collaborations and Linkages Board of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
The initiative was powered by the leadership of outstanding WEOG officials. Among them were Dr. Dunni Owo, Founding President of WEOG; Engr. Tolulope Longe, National President of WEOG; and Mrs. Toyin Yusuf, Vice President of Sectors, WEOG Nigeria, who also served as Chairperson of the WDD Organising Committee.
Others were Dr. Dozie-Enukora Ihuoma Ann, Head of Servicom at NUPRC and Chairperson of the FCT Chapter, WEOG; Mrs Halima Usman FIMC CEO Halimafactor Community Initiative, Amb. Sandra Agho Ekpe Managing Director of Sepha Energies Ltd, and Chairperson of the Rivers State Chapter, WEOG; and Dr. Sarah Nwinee, Head of Linkages, Exchange and Partnerships at the Petroleum Training Institute and Chairperson of the Delta State Chapter, WEOG.
Also listed among the WEOG leadership were Ambassador Chief Peculiar Junere Braboke, Stakeholder and Government Relations Coordinator at Shell Nigerian Gas and Chairperson of the Bayelsa State Chapter, WEOG; Engr. Oyibo Ogale, Group Head, QHSE Downstream, Matrix Energy Group; Onome Eboe-Ogoro, Health, Safety and Environment Line Advisor at NNPC E&P Ltd; and Ambassador Keonyenasoa Odijie, Chairperson of the Forum of African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Delta State Chapter.
