By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

Despite being an engineering company, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, NDPHC, has created equal opportunity for all genders, the company’s Executive Director, Corporate Services, Nkechi Mba has said.

Speaking at an event organized by the company to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day in Abuja, Mba encouraged young women to focus on their jobs and become excellent such that their output becomes undeniable.

She noted that “the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry is typically male dominated and when you walk through the doors of any organization within the sector then the tendency is that the population men to women is usually 70 to 30 or 60 to 40.

“I recall that when I joined NDPHC the population of women was less than 30 percent, about 15 percent and I told myself that there was no need to feel like this is a male dominated environment, it just might intimidate you.

“This is an environment with human beings that are my equal. It is just about focusing on your job and letting your capacity speak for you. I don’t focus on gender when I relate with people except when I feel it is necessary to open certain doors for a woman or change and tweak policies in such a way that the systemic hindrances against women are removed”.

Also speaking, the Head Insurance and Risk Management, NDPHC, Hajia Maryam Rabiu said though it has not been easy for women in the power sector, more women are being given higher responsibilities across the sector.

Hajia Rabiu noted that though she has not faced any direct aggression from male colleagues, it was important for women to be good in their jobs and excel in their responsibilities.

She explained that the operating environment around NDPHC power plants are being developed so that facilities are in place to meet the needs of women.

“The plants were built mostly with men in mind but a lot has changed now with facilities to cater for the needs of women. The company has a lady in charge of Corporate Services and she has done a lot to change things, to make the work environment in the power plants conducive for women”, she added.