Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode: Championing Gender Equality and Empowerment 

In 2021, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode assumed the role of Chairperson on the board of LekOil Nigeria Ltd, a company specialising in Africa-focused oil and gas exploration. Her appointment marked a crucial juncture for the company, which was grappling with uncertainty. Initially, she stepped in as an interim chairperson, guiding the company through challenging times. However, her exceptional leadership and experience in navigating the company’s challenges garnered her the permanent role.  Moreover, she is one of the few who witnessed the birth of the company and has watched it evolve over the years. In the two years that Muhammed-Oyebode has served in that capacity, the company has made significant strides.

“While we have encountered obstacles along the way, our dedicated team, together with our resilient approach, has propelled us in the right direction,” she says in a recent encounter. “Our commitment to achieving our goals is unwavering, and we are constantly adapting and strategising to ensure that we meet, and eventually exceed, our projections in the ever-evolving business landscape.”

As advocacy for cleaner energy continues to reverberate around the world, Muhammed-Oyebode emphasises that LekOil is keen on sustainability as well as technological advancement and geo-political adaptation.

“We are acutely aware of the growing importance of sustainability in the energy sector. Lekoil is actively working to reduce our environmental footprint, enhance our environmental and social governance (ESG) practices, and transition towards more sustainable energy solutions. These efforts not only align with global trends but also help ensure the long-term viability of our operations.”

One remarkable goal Muhammed-Oyebode has achieved in the company is the push for female leadership in the company. The board she chairs today boasts an equal number of both genders. But that’s not all.

“We have taken significant measures to evaluate and enhance gender diversity in our leadership ranks,” she says. “We have exceeded the industry norm by having a greater proportion of women in executive and non-executive positions than the majority of African companies in our industry. I am one of the few female chairs of an oil and gas company.

“Similarly, the top executive cadre is populated by exceptionally capable women.  It is an achievement we can be proud of, but we are not stopping there. We remain committed to advancing and expanding female leadership in non-traditional oil and gas specialties, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our journey towards greater gender inclusion is an ongoing one, and we remain committed to advancing progress in this area.”

Muhammed-Oyebode’s background is steeped in history; her father, Murtala Muhammed, a former head of state, was tragically assassinated in 1976. She is the first of his six children and was in her adolescence when the tragic incident occurred. Despite these challenges, she’s become a successful leader, chairing numerous boards, running the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, and a real estate development firm, Asset Management Group Limited.

She has in over two decades played a pivotal part in female empowerment, a passion that has always been dear to her heart. She is most notable for her work in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign where she led a peaceful protest in Lagos at the peak of the infamous incident in 2014. On the ninth anniversary of the Chibok girls’ abduction this year, Muhammed-Oyebode released the book ‘The Stolen Daughters of Chibok’ in the United States. It was subsequently released internationally. The book is a vivid account of the impact of the abduction on the parents of the victims. It also included essays from notable Nigerians like the former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Muhammed-Oyebode hopes that the remaining girls still in captivity will soon be reunited with their parents while highlighting that the release of the girls should be a collective cause.

A human rights activist, her advocacy for female empowerment stems from her personal journey and the remarkable women in her family who overcame societal biases.

“My advocacy for the empowerment of women was profoundly influenced by my personal journey and that of the courageous women in my family who overcame societal biases and limitations,” she explains. “Witnessing their struggles and hardship instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility. I believe that Nigerian women have enormous potential and that these societal constructs originate from a fear of women’s extraordinary capabilities. My passion lies in encouraging all women to shatter these restrictive stereotypes and embrace their full potential in all aspects of life, be it at home or in the boardroom. It is not about defying societal norms; it is about fostering the understanding that women are capable of achieving greatness in any endeavour they pursue.”

As one of the few female chairs of an oil and gas company in Africa, Aisha emphasises that gender inclusion is vital for organisations. According to her, it aligns with principles of justice and equality, enriches decision-making, drives economic success, and aligns with societal expectations.

“It is not just a matter of doing what is right; it is also a smart and forward-thinking business strategy. Organisations must therefore proactively identify and eliminate these disparities, cultivating a workplace culture that not only recognizes the value of diversity but also provides equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their gender. This is a crucial step toward achieving true gender inclusion in the workplace.”

She highlights some of the notable gaps that need to be bridged.

“First and foremost, it’s a matter of justice and equality. In today’s world, the recognition and respect of individuals’ rights and opportunities should not be blind to gender. It is a fundamental principle that society is progressively acknowledging, and organisations are aligning their priorities accordingly.”

Muhammed-Oyebode further notes that gender diversity enhances decision-making and problem-solving by incorporating various perspectives, leading to more effective solutions and fostering creativity; while stressing that gender inclusion is not just a matter of ethics but also an economic advantage.

“Research consistently shows that diverse and inclusive workplaces tend to outperform those that are not, both in terms of financial results and employee satisfaction. By focusing on gender inclusion, organisations are making a strategic move to stay competitive and relevant.”

Additionally, she underlines the importance of organisations responding to growing public awareness of gender issues.

“The increasing awareness of gender issues in the public eye means that organisations must be responsive to public sentiment and societal expectations. A company that fails to prioritize gender inclusion risks reputational damage, which can have long-lasting consequences.”

Given her numerous endeavours, Muhammed-Oyebode has mastered the art of balancing multiple tasks. She puts it this way:

“The secret to managing multiple roles and responsibilities successfully is a combination of effective time management delegation, and prioritisation. I am fortunate to have a strong support system, both personally and professionally, and I am genuinely passionate about each of my endeavours. Setting clear goals and prioritising tasks is essential, however, it is not just my effort but the collective work of a dedicated team that contributes to any success I may have.”

She further adds: “Technology helps keep the tempo, though I am no tech whiz. Self-care and mindfulness allow me to stay at my best. Adaptation is also an ongoing challenge. In this orchestra, as a conductor, I must constantly fine-tune my skills.”

Despite the limited time she had with her father before his untimely departure, Muhammed-Oyebode gleaned invaluable life lessons from him, particularly emphasizing the importance of unwavering commitment and diligent effort.

“My dad’s unwavering commitment to his work and family instilled in me the importance of diligence and perseverance in achieving one’s goals,” she says.

“Additionally, my dad has been a role model in terms of resilience. He faced adversity with grace and determination, which has taught me the importance of maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging times. Moreover, the time spent with my dad underscored the significance of strong interpersonal relationships. His ability to connect with people, empathize with their experiences, and offer a helping hand has been a vital lesson in the power of compassion and kindness. As she reflects on the memories of her father, her adoration for him becomes apparent, emphasising his unwavering dedication to family and building lasting and meaningful relationships with those who matter most.

These enduring lessons serve as the guiding stars on Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode’s path to achieving her goals and inspiring us all to treasure what truly matters.