Oando PLC has been recognised for its commitment to workplace inclusion after winning the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion of the Year award at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade Summit 2026.
The award was presented during the summit’s Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held at the Landmark Event Centre, where leading organisations across the region were honoured for their contributions to industrial development and economic transformation.
According to the company, the recognition highlights its efforts to promote diversity, inclusive leadership, and equitable opportunities within the energy and industrial sectors.
Competitive category
Oando emerged winner in a competitive category that included major regional companies such as Coleman Wires and Cables, Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Ecobank Togo and Unilever Côte d’Ivoire.
The company said the award reflects progress in building a more diverse workforce, with women now accounting for 43 per cent of its employees, a notable achievement in an industry historically dominated by men.
Industry data supports the significance of the milestone. A report by Veriv Africa shows that women make up about 18.6 per cent of the workforce in Nigeria’s energy sector, while female representation in leadership positions often ranges between 7 and 8 per cent in some subsectors.
Commitment to gender balance
The award was received by Kanyinsola Mba, General Manager for Human Capital Management and Services at Oando, alongside Employee Relations Manager Ayodele Peregrino.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mba dedicated the recognition to the company’s workforce—popularly known as #HumansOfOando—and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to building an inclusive workplace.
She said the company aims to continue expanding representation with a long-term goal of achieving a 50:50 gender balance or higher within its workforce.
Driving human capital development
Beyond the award recognition, Oando also contributed to discussions on the future of industrial development in West Africa during the two-day summit.
Mba participated in a panel session titled “Maximising West Africa’s Human Capital for Competitive & Resilient Industries,” where she emphasised the need for deliberate investments in workforce development.
According to her, organisations must build structured competency frameworks, leadership development programmes, and mentorship initiatives to unlock the region’s demographic advantage.
“Africa’s demographic advantage can only translate into economic strength if organisations intentionally develop the skills and capabilities of their people,” she said, highlighting the importance of training and exposure to emerging technologies.
Energy key to industrial growth
Also representing the company at the summit was Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources.
Speaking on a panel titled “Industry Futures – Laying the Foundations for the Future: Infrastructure Development for Industrial Growth,” Irune stressed the critical role of energy in driving Africa’s industrialisation.
“Energy remains the backbone of industrial development. If Africa is to unlock its manufacturing potential and accelerate economic growth, expanding reliable power infrastructure must remain a top priority,” he said.
He also called for stronger leadership alignment, collaborative policymaking and strategic investments to accelerate infrastructure development across the continent.
Platform for regional collaboration
The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade Summit brings together policymakers, investors, business leaders and development partners to address key issues shaping the region’s industrial and economic future.
Oando said its participation at the summit reflects its broader commitment to advancing discussions around human capital development, energy security and sustainable industrial growth across Africa.
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