By Florencemary Nwabueze

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), Masters Energy Group (MEG) on Thursday hosted a seminar tagged “Women of Masters 1.0”, themed “Financial Inclusion: The Role Women Play”, aimed at equipping women with financial knowledge, technological skills, and the confidence to become economically independent.

The Nigeria-based conglomerate, founded in 2005 with investments spanning oil and gas, power, shipping, and manufacturing, brought together women professionals, entrepreneurs, and students from diverse sectors for the empowerment-focused event.

The seminar emphasized transitioning women from financial dependence to leadership roles in business and technology.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Patient Dappa, MD/CEO of Masters Energy Group, who reinforced the company’s commitment to women’s empowerment, noted that March is globally recognised as a month dedicated to celebrating women. She explained that the event was not only for celebration but also an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on advancing financial inclusion for women.

According to her, empowering women is not merely a gender issue but an economic imperative stressing that when women are empowered, societies are transformed. She added that women, when given access to financial tools, invest in education, healthcare, and community development, describing them as multipliers of prosperity and catalysts for generational change.

Dr. Dappa further observed that women continue to shape and lead across institutions within the socio-economic ecosystem. She, however, called on government to create enabling policies that encourage women’s participation in politics and financial systems, while urging organisations to promote equity and enhance financial literacy among women.

During the panel session, speakers including Chinyere Usen, Udomboso Rhoda, and Oluwatoyin Olusola, who spoke on tech skills in the evolving world, encouraged women to break into business and tech industries, challenging the notion that technology is male-dominated.

They also urged participants to embrace Artificial Intelligence, highlighting its growing opportunities and accessibility for women.

A major highlight of the event was an address by Ure Ekezie, Md Olive Microfinance Bank, who delivered a passionate message on financial independence and self-reliance. She challenged women to rethink traditional aspirations and pursue wealth creation themselves rather than relying on others.

“I am very passionate about girls and women. I heard a lady sometimes ago, that what she want is to marry a billionaire and it sounded so off. What happens to ‘I want to be a billionaire?’ There is nothing wrong with marrying a billionaire. So, why can’t we stand side by side-two billionaires. When he have a need of billions, he can say sweetheart can I have some? And you’ll be able to offer. So, girls, take that off your head. At this age, don’t be looking for Prince charming that will safe you. You can also be a princess charming that will safe him. Infact, alot of men need to be rescued today.”

She further called on women to invest in themselves and their children by opening an account with Olive microfinance bank, where they can save against hod times and alsace for their children, as well as take loan to start up businesses.

Ekezie emphasized the importance of savings and disciplined financial habits, noting that consistent saving—even from modest income—can build long-term stability.

“A penny saved is a penny earned. If you have worked for over 30yrs of your life and have no savings, then you are a failure. You have failed yourself, your parents, your community and every young person looking up to you. Some people will say, ‘I earn only N100,000, how will I save jn thus hash economy?’ If you can survive with N100,000, you can also survive with N90,000. Meaning, there is a certain percentage you can still save.”

She urged women to prioritize saving before spending and to invest in their future and that of their children.
“Do not save what is left after spending, rather, spend what is left after savings.”

She further encouraged participants to explore financial services such as savings accounts and small business loans to support entrepreneurship and prepare for economic uncertainties.

Other speakers at the event included:
Omideyi Olufunmilayo, MD Olive Asset Management Company Limited and Head of Asset Management Olive Capital Group, who spoke on achieving financial freedom through investment strategies, and Yvonne Ezekiel, Managing Partner of Olisa Agbakoba Legal(OAL), who addressed legal protections for women in careers and entrepreneurship.

The Executive Director of Masters Energy Group, Mrs. Ngozi Sabina Ogah, In her closing remarks, thanked attendees and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion, noting that women remain critical to the organisation’s growth and success. She further, revealed that the organisation will continue initiatives to support women’s growth and development. She emphasized the need to create more opportunities for women, particularly in industries traditionally dominated by men.

The event which was attended by ST &Tee School, motivation comprehensive college, concluded with a promise from Masters Energy Group to sustain and expand its efforts in celebrating and empowering women across various sectors.