Her story wasn’t quite famed back in 2017. She was in the world of oil and petroleum, where men often dominated the scene. One woman stood tall, breaking barriers and carving her name into the annals of history.
Mrs. Patience Oghogho Maseli was a former Deputy Director at the Directorate of Petroleum Resources. She wasn’t just a name but a symbol of resilience, determination and the power of change.
Pioneering Eequity at the offshore rigs
Patience began her journey as a geologist with a fierce determination to change the narration of the status quo. That was in an era when the offshore rigs were primarily dominated by the men. Then, she championed the cause of fellow female oil workers.
She recognized the disparity where men could comfortably share rooms, but women would be allocated separate lodging, thereby increasing operational costs. She believed in change and tirelessly advocated for women’s inclusion in offshore assignments.
Her unwavering dedication paid off as women were eventually granted access to these rig assignments. She thus, paved was for future generations of women in the oil sector to follow in her footsteps, ensuring that oil and petroleum industry became more inclusive and diverse.
Rising to new heights
Her commitment and expertise led to her climb to the corporate ladder, ultimately becoming the first female at the directorate level. Her journey was one marked by challenges, but she faced them head-on, fueled by a vision of a more equitable industry.
Surprising honour from South Korea
As her retirement got closer, Patience received an unexpected and unforgettable honour during the commissioning on an oil rig purchased by Nigeria from the South Korea. The world back then, witnessed it as an astonishing tribute to her legacy.
The Koreans presented her with a paper and pen and asked her to write her full name officially. Little did she know that this simple act would be a moment of incredible recognition. On the day of inauguration, they crafted a silver plate and named the ship after her. This vessel set to sail for at least 50 years, would forever bear the name of Patience Oghogho Maseli.
The announcement left everyone, especially the men adorned in their grand agbada, in disbelief. The Koreans then explained that every ship in their clime must bear a female name, and since Patience was the sole female presence, the ship must bear her name. It was thus a moment of divine honour showing how the universe rewards women who dedicate their lives to breaking barriers.
A legacy of firsts
Patience’s illustrious career was marked by numerous first. Not only was she the first women to attain the position of Deputy Director at the DPR, she was also the pioneering head of the Women In Geosciences and Engineering (WIGE), steering committee, further promoting gender equity in the field.
Education and expertise
Her journey began with her education at the St. Maria Goretti Girls Secondary School in Benin City, Edo State. She continued her academic pursuits at the Federal Government College in Warri, Delta State, before earning her BSc in Botany from the University of Benin. Her thirst for knowledge led to the University of Port Harcourt, where she graduated with an M.Sc degree in Petroleum Geology.
Remarkable career unfolds
After graduating in 1982, Patience embarked on her career with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stationed at the Research and Development Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Her role as a palynologist in the geology laboratory laid the foundation for her future in the petroleum industry.
In 1983, she secured a full-time position with the NNPC and began her journey as a Petrophycist. Over the years, she ascended the ranks, earning promotions that reflected her dedication and expertise. In 2017, she reached the pinnacles of her career when she was appointed Deputy Director and Head of the Upstream Division. She retired in November 2018, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Root in faith and culture
Patience’s faith, as was once quoted, was the source of strength throughout her, guiding her journey in the oil and petroleum oil and petroleum industry. She hails from the vibrant Ibrede community in Ndokwa east local government area of Delta State as she often proudly identifies herself as an Isoko woman by tribe.
Family and love
In her personal life, Patience is a loving wife and mother. Her wedding ceremony was officiated by the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa as a testament of the significance of her union with her husband. Her family was a constant source of support, standing behind her as she blazed a trail in her career.
So, in the world of petroleum and geology, where few women dare to venture, Maseli’s name sails proudly on a ship, symbolizing her indomitable spirit and the enduring legacy of a pioneer who unintentionally change the course of history.
She wasn’t just a name, but an inspiration, but a testament, a symbol of progress and a beacon of hope for future generations of women in her industry to break away from the confines of tradition.
