How I succeed in a male-dominated electricity sector – Rhoda

The Managing Director of Laga Cepower Limited, an indigenous power construction company, Mrs Rhoda Afolabi, has described how her firm executed the installation of 2 units of 60MVA transformers and other components at the Odogunyan  132/33KV transmission substation along with three other projects in Lagos State within nine years. At the commissioning of the Transmission […]

The Managing Director of Laga Cepower Limited, an indigenous power construction company, Mrs Rhoda Afolabi, has described how her firm executed the installation of 2 units of 60MVA transformers and other components at the Odogunyan  132/33KV transmission substation along with three other projects in Lagos State within nine years.

At the commissioning of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) substation last Monday by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, the contractor said her firm executes projects in the oil and gas industry but started with the power sector in 2009.

With a look of triumph, Mrs Afolabi said: “In a male dominated industry such as engineering construction, especially in the power sector, I am highly delighted to deliver the 2x60MVA Odogunyan 132/33KV transmission substation in excellent condition as you would soon see when you inspect the substation.

“May I state here that as a female indigenous entrepreneur, it has not been an easy road but we are determined to keep forging ahead, leaving a trail of well executed projects and I dare say, their standard speak for us,” she emphasized.

She said the substation was part of the contract awarded to Laga Cepower in 2009 by TCN with the others comprising Ayobo 2x60MVA 132/33KV substations, 132KV double circuit bay extension in Ikeja West and a 132KV double circuit transmission line.

“Three out of these have been successfully commissioned within nine years. By this commissioning today, I believe Laga Cepower has contributed to the economic growth of the nation under the present administration,” she said.

The power sector entrepreneur noted that her firm was recently commended by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in a letter in which he referred to the firm as having ‘very impressive track records’. “This to me is quite encouraging and a good motivation for us to do more,” Mrs Afolabi added.

The entrepreneur appealed for more opportunities to build more challenging projects saying, “As a female entrepreneur in a male dominated field, I can assure you that I will continue to work extra hard to ensure that we continue to excel and stand out in projects in the power sector.”

Mrs Afolabi also called on the Federal Government to support indigenous entrepreneurs and companies, noting that “this is the only way we can continue to build local capacity.”