By Olatunde Dodondawa
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Monday launched Energy clubs in selected schools within its network, to encourage young girls to take opportunities in the power sector.
The Club activities are expected to promote the interest of female students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, to achieve gender diversity and equity in the Power Sector and other related technology sectors.
The Programme launch, which was held at Government Secondary School Ikoyi, is in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, USAID.
The participating schools in the first phase of the year-long programme include Akande Dahunsi Community Secondary School, Ilado Community Junior Secondary School and Wahab Folawiyo Junior High School.
According to Alero Olayiwola, EKEDC’s Head Talent Management and Development, the Club activities will run concurrently in the participating schools, for a period of 12 months. During the period, the Company will provide the guidelines, curriculum and support of the activities of the club before handing over to the participating schools for sustainability.
She disclosed that the Programme will sustain the interest and commitment of students in STEM subjects and expose them to the knowledge, possibilities and opportunities that abound in the power and other technical sectors.
In his remarks, Aik Alenkhe, EKEDC’s Chief Human Resource Officer, said that the Energy Club which is also part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) is geared towards actualising the Company’s mission, vision and core values.
“It is our hope that this commitment to the future of the students particularly the girls, will help to bring about a gender-inclusive sector without limitation or barrier to women. It is also our hope to correct the agelong stereotype that has been associated with the power sector, as a male-dominated sector. For us as a Company, we believe that there should be no encumbrance to the opportunities that are open to females in the power sector.”
Alexander Nzekwe, Vice Principal Akande Dahunsi Community Junior Secondary School while speaking on the initiative, noted that it will encourage students to be STEM-focused and open them to the opportunities that are available in the Power sector.
Some of the EKEDC female Engineers who spoke at the event shared their personal experiences with the students and encouraged them to seize the opportunities in STEM.
