Three distinguished women from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) stole the show at the 2026 Instinct Women Conference & Awards held in Nairobi, Kenya.
They are, Dr. Sheila Addo, Deputy Chief Executive who received the Energy Woman Leader of the Year award, Mrs. Maria Edith Oquaye, Director of Corporate Affairs, was adjudged Outstanding Woman in Corporate Communications, while Mrs. Eunice Budu-Nyarko, Director of Consumer Services, received the Outstanding Woman in Stakeholder Engagement award.
The awards were presented to celebrate exceptional African women whose influence is transforming industries, strengthening institutions, reshaping narratives, and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
The event held from February 26th to 27th, 2026 was under the theme: “Women Who Move Nations: Leadership, Legacy & Impact.”
Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, Dr. Addo said that throughout history and across continents, women have stepped into moments of uncertainty and transformed them into milestones of progress.
They have led revolutions, rebuilt economies, shaped global institutions, and redefined what power looks like.
She stressed that African women are not just participants in global systems – they are architects of them. African women in leadership
“Across finance, technology, politics,
business, and public service, are breaking barriers, redefining excellence, and transforming societies. For decades, such women have led in homes, communities, and grassroots movements,” she said.
Dr. Addo noted that today, leadership is visible at boardroom tables, in presidential offices, in global financial institutions, and at the forefront of technological innovation.
