Seplat Energy has once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting gender equity in STEM during the Society of Petroleum Engineers Women Leadership Lecture Series (SPEWLLS) 2025, which was centered around the theme “March Forward: Advancing Equity and Creating Opportunities in STEM and Beyond.”
The event took place on March 21, 2025, at the Capital Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, and gathered industry leaders, innovators, and emerging professionals to advocate for increased female representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In her keynote speech, Eleanor Adarelegebe, Chief Financial Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, highlighted the significant gender imbalance in STEM fields, especially within the oil and gas industry, where women occupy only 15% of junior positions, with even fewer advancing to leadership roles. “At Seplat Energy, we are proactively tackling these disparities through mentorship and sponsorship programs aimed at supporting women in the early to mid-stages of their careers,” Adarelegebe stated. “By offering guidance to help navigate cultural obstacles, we foster an environment that enables female professionals to thrive in STEM. Currently, Seplat Energy boasts five women on our 14-member board and four women in our 12-person senior management team. These figures showcase the success of our mentorship efforts and the significant impact of Seplat’s women in STEM.” She concluded by stressing the importance of collective effort, stating, “Advancing gender diversity in STEM necessitates the dedication of all, especially leaders, both men and women, to cultivate a more inclusive and innovative industry.”
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion with prominent industry figures, including Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy. She emphasized the importance of encouraging young girls to pursue STEM education and the need for visible role models to inspire future generations.
“Innovation flourishes in settings that welcome a variety of viewpoints,” she stated. “To cultivate a genuinely inclusive industry, we must initiate advocacy from the ground up, inspiring young girls in primary education to pursue STEM opportunities.
Addressing cultural obstacles, Afe emphasized the vital role of male allies. “Men predominantly hold the leadership positions that women aspire to attain. Their backing is essential for nurturing inclusive workplaces. Nevertheless, women must also cultivate the skills necessary to overcome these challenges,” she noted.
She emphasized Seplat’s commitment to gender equality, highlighting that the company values diverse perspectives in its decision-making. She mentioned important initiatives like the Seplat Women Awesome Network, a mentorship program aimed at helping female professionals, and a goal of achieving 40% female representation among high-achieving university undergraduates. Furthermore, she talked about the Seplat Teachers’ Empowerment Programme, which has trained more than 1,300 teachers, with 60% of those being women from Delta and Edo states. She wrapped up by celebrating a significant milestone—Seplat’s appointment of its first female Managing Director for its Eastern Asset.
The event concluded with a resounding applause for Seplat Energy’s steadfast dedication to promoting women in STEM. As the official sponsor of SPEWLLS 2025, Seplat Energy remains at the forefront of championing inclusion, innovation, and a more equitable future in the STEM fields.
