By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Managing Director/CEO, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije has urged female staff in the company to be resilient, innovative and hardworking in their given tasks as the company continues to play a pivotal role in the Federal Government’s power supply efforts.

Speaking at an event to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, IWD, Engr Adighije noted the significance of the occasion, adding that her appointment as the first female CEO of NDPHC made the celebration particularly special.

She emphasized, however, that women should be celebrated everyday.

She pointed out that women in leadership often face scrutiny and must work harder to prove their competence.

She said: “So, I celebrate every woman here and every man for supporting us. I wouldn’t be privileged to serve at the headquarters, if I was not nominated by a man. So, I woud like to recognise us, and the men that appreciate our capacity, and still continue to give us the responsibility of delivering.

“Most times, when a man is appointed, or given a position, his capacity is never questioned. But when a woman is given a position, people start to ask questions. Can she do the job? Who is backing her? Who put her there? So, we are constantly striving to overcome those stereotypes.

“And that has always been our priority. And so, I want to enjoin every woman here, in spite of our perceived weakness, to continue to show up and show up in your best version”.

Earlier in his welcome address, NDPHC, Emmanuel Ojor, said the event “is particularly memorable to us here in NDPHC as it’s the first time we have a female MD/CEO.

“There’s the belief that if you want to nurture and grow a thing, give it to a woman, I’m convinced it’s the reason the federal government in #Accelerating Action appointed a brilliant Engineer woman to run this company.

“We indeed celebrate and acknowledge the talented, skilled and hard-working women of this great NDPHC community, from the cleaner and security woman to the female General Managers and Heads of Departments, we salute you.”

The ceremony featured talks on mentorship, health and also fun games for males and females.