Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) has inaugurated its Second Board of Trustees, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s nearly two-decade-long drive to advance gender inclusion, sound governance and sustainable development in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Delivering her inaugural address at the ceremony, the President of WIMIN, Engr. Janet Adeyemi, described the event as both symbolic and strategic, noting that it reinforces the organisation’s commitment to continuity, accountability and policy relevance within Nigeria’s extractive industry and Africa’s broader mineral development agenda.
Engr. Adeyemi paid tribute to the organisation’s Grand Patron, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba (Dr.) Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, whose vision and support she said continue to inspire WIMIN’s work.
She also acknowledged past leaders, founding members, government representatives, industry stakeholders and partners for their roles in building the association.
Tracing WIMIN’s institutional journey since its registration on 7 November 2006, the President noted that the organisation has evolved from a primarily advocacy-focused platform into a recognised stakeholder in mining policy dialogue.
According to her, WIMIN has consistently engaged government and industry on issues such as artisanal and small-scale mining formalisation, occupational health and safety, access to finance, skills development, gemstone beneficiation and women’s economic empowerment.
She emphasised that the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees assumes office at a defining moment for Nigeria’s mining sector, amid economic diversification efforts, the global energy transition, rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations, and the urgent need to professionalise artisanal and small-scale mining.
Addressing the Board directly, Engr. Adeyemi outlined WIMIN’s key policy priorities, including the institutionalisation of gender inclusion in mining laws and regulations, targeted support for women in artisanal and small-scale mining, and the creation of dedicated financing and incentives for women-led mining enterprises.
She also called for stronger implementation of local value addition and beneficiation policies, especially in gold and gemstones, as well as structured investment in skills development for women and young people.
Other priorities highlighted include deeper integration of women-led organisations into ESG frameworks, community development agreements and social licence processes, to ensure more inclusive and socially responsible mining outcomes.
“These policy priorities are not requests in isolation,” she said. “They are enablers of a more resilient, inclusive and competitive mining sector for Nigeria and Africa.”
The WIMIN President expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Board to provide strategic oversight, strengthen governance and guide the organisation’s long-term sustainability without mission drift.
She assured the Trustees of the full cooperation of the National Executive Council and the association’s membership, describing the relationship as one founded on partnership and shared responsibility.
In her closing remarks, Engr. Adeyemi formally congratulated the members of the Second Board of Trustees, urging them to view their acceptance of office as a service to women, industry and national development.
“History will assess this Board not only by the institutions it preserves, but by the policies it influences and the opportunities it enables,” she said, expressing optimism that their tenure would be defined by wisdom, courage and lasting impact.
The inauguration ceremony further underscored Women in Mining Nigeria’s resolve to remain a trusted partner to government, industry and development institutions in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for the country’s mining sector.
