The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Retail Limited (NRL) has reinforced its commitment to gender inclusivity and female empowerment with the successful hosting of She-Fix 2025, a groundbreaking event dedicated to promoting women’s participation and leadership in the automotive, technical, and energy sectors.
In a statement, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Abuja Olufemi O. Soneye said the event celebrated the remarkable contributions of female mechanics and underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Held at The Stable Center, Surulere, Lagos, She-Fix 2025 attracted over 300 participants, including industry leaders, policymakers, professionals, and aspiring female technicians. The event formed part of the global celebrations for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), aligning with the theme “Driving Diversity and Powering Progress.” The theme underscored the need to create equal opportunities for women and empower them to drive innovation and economic growth.
The event provided a dynamic platform for female mechanics and technical professionals to showcase their expertise, engage in knowledge-sharing, and gain hands-on experience through a series of technical demonstrations and workshops. Key sessions included Car Care 101, where participants learned about basic and advanced vehicle maintenance, and live car diagnostics, which allowed female mechanics to demonstrate their technical proficiency in real-time.
A central highlight of She-Fix 2025 was the recognition and celebration of outstanding female mechanics who have made significant strides in their fields. Awards were presented to honor their contributions, resilience, and excellence in the automotive and technical industries. The recognition underscored NNPC Retail’s commitment to elevating the status of women in technical fields and encouraging more women to pursue careers in these sectors.
Mr. Huub Stokman, Managing Director of NNPC Retail, highlighted the broader mission of She-Fix in his address: “She-Fix 2025 is more than an event; it is a movement aimed at breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women to thrive in industries where they have historically been underrepresented. NNPC Retail is proud to lead this initiative and to provide women with the tools and support they need to succeed.”
Representing the Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Limited, Mr. Cyprian Onwuegbu, Senior Business Adviser, reinforced NNPC’s dedication to fostering gender equality and building an inclusive work environment:
“NNPC remains steadfast in promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. She-Fix represents our ongoing commitment to supporting women’s advancement and ensuring they have equal opportunities to excel in technical and leadership roles.”
The event reflected NNPC Retail’s broader strategy of integrating gender diversity into its corporate structure and encouraging women to participate actively in the company’s operations and decision-making processes.
In addition to technical demonstrations, She-Fix 2025 offered practical support and business opportunities for female entrepreneurs and professionals. A vibrant marketplace featured products and services from female-led businesses, creating a platform for networking and business growth. Attendees also benefited from special discounts on Oleum Lubricants and LPG NR-GAS, reinforcing NNPC Retail’s commitment to empowering women in the energy sector.
Technical experts led engaging and informative sessions on automotive care, energy solutions, and career development. Female participants were encouraged to explore new career paths, acquire technical skills, and leverage professional networks to advance their careers.
A standout feature of She-Fix 2025 was the panel session titled “Unleashing the Potential of Women for a Stronger Nation.” The session brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and female professionals to discuss strategies for overcoming workplace barriers, fostering leadership among women, and creating supportive and inclusive work environments.
Panelists emphasized the importance of mentorship, skills development, and organizational policies that support work-life balance and career progression for women. The discussions also explored how industry leaders could collaborate to increase female representation in technical and leadership roles. “We need to shift the narrative around women in technical fields,” one panelist remarked. “Women have the skills, talent, and drive to succeed — all they need is the opportunity and the right support structure.”
The event balanced professional engagement with entertainment and networking opportunities. Attendees enjoyed live music performances, interactive games, and a spin-the-wheel challenge that offered prizes and facilitated professional connections. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged meaningful interactions and fostered a sense of community among participants.
Networking sessions allowed female mechanics and technical professionals to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and explore potential career opportunities. The event created a supportive environment where women could share their experiences, build confidence, and seek mentorship from established professionals.
She-Fix 2025 concluded with a renewed commitment from NNPC Retail to sustain the momentum created by the event. The company pledged to continue investing in women’s training, career development, and leadership programs within the automotive and energy sectors. “This is just the beginning,” said Mr. Stokman. “We will continue to create platforms like She-Fix to empower women, promote gender equality, and drive progress across the industry.”
NNPC Retail’s successful hosting of She-Fix 2025 reinforces the company’s role as a champion of diversity and inclusion in Nigeria’s automotive and energy industries. By celebrating the achievements of female mechanics and technical professionals, NNPC Retail is not only breaking down barriers but also inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in fields where they have traditionally been underrepresented.
