by Isqil Najim
Last weekend will be regarded as more memorable to a lot of people, young, old, males, female, and onlookers. Not just in one way but many as APWEN’s “Invent in Build it” Programme train moves to ancient City of Abeokuta. It was a day of many parts.
Engr Idiat Amosu, FNSE who is one of the founding members of APWEN and the first Female Agriculture Engineer in Nigeria was honoured by the Association as part of the key prong programmes of the President Felicia Agubata in honouring all the Six original Founding members of the Association as well as others who supported the Association and thus laid foundation for the robust participation of Women in Engineering in Nigeria.
The day also marked third Edition of the ‘Invent in Build it” Programme Sponsored by the NNPC in a bid to inspire, encourage and drive girl-child into studying Engineering as a career of choice. The first edition was launched in Misau Bauchi early in the year The programme is unique in the sense that it aims not just at making girls study Science but also to unleash their inner creativity and begin the journey into engineering now.
This much was emphasised by the President of the Association, Engr Felicia Agubata in her address when she observed that “APWEN is confident that early contact with the target group will indeed spark off a desire and an ambition of the girl child to study the sciences and ultimately pursue engineering as a profession.”
Further she enthuse “As the girls begin to imagine great careers in Engineering and diligently demonstrate passion and with the right guidance, the sky will be their limit.’
Agubata, who herself is a senior engineer at Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, pointed out that APWEN plan to go beyond mere encouraging, it will also follow up with series of activities including mentoring the girls. In her words “APWEN’s role is to mentor, point the way forward and partner with the would be champions to midwife their careers by way of providing learning aids, seminars, scholarships at some points and above all inspiration.”
The event also coincided with the Birthday of His Royal Highness Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo IV, the Alake of Egbaland; who, in his royal Majesty graced the occasion in his splendor and humility. He was at his exuberant self as he inspired, and motivate the future of tomorrow.
The Association also laid Foundation for the construction of Science Laboratory for St. Peter Claver Primary School, Abeokuta, established in 1908 at the school premise . The Laboratory was to be built to honour the 31st President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Adekunle Mokuolu FNSE and a Past President of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engr Idiat Amusu FNNE who are both indigenes of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“As the girls begin to imagine great careers in Engineering and diligently demonstrate passion and with the right guidance, the sky will be their limit- Felicia Agubata”
The Science Laboratory which is the first in Public Primary School in Nigeria is named after the 31St NSE President and will be called Engr. Adekunle Olumuyiwa Mokuolu Science Laboratory. The Science Laboratory was sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through the facilitation of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
The NNPC GMD, Dr Maikanti Baru FNSE was represented at the event by Engr. Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran.
St Peter Clavers Primary School was selected in honour of the 75th Birthday Celebration of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland HRH Oba Dr. Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV who attended the School some years back.
Guest Speaker Engr. Mrs Idiat Aderemi Amusu FNSE delivered the lecture titled ” “Inspiring the Girl – Child to take up the Sciences with the view to pursuing a career in Engineering” . Several experiments like Bouyancy, Solvent and absorbent, light bulb, series and parallel etc were performed by the girls in the primary schools within Abeokuta metropolis under the supervision of Engineers.
Highlight of the event include scholarships awarded to 10 Students from Primary to University level which was named after Engr. Idiat Amusu -Engineering scholarship for Girls” and also automatic employment at NNPC after graduation. The best 10 girls were selected from different schools within Abeokuta metropolis. One of the scholarship recipients was a 9 year old Orphan Miss Feranmi Ilesanmi who was feted by the Oba and encouraged.
In attendance were the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland in Abeokuta, Ogun State of Nigeria, His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, GMD NNPC Engr. Dr. Maikanti Baru ably represented by Chief Operating officer NNPC Ventures Engr. Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran, Acting Executive Secretary NSE Engr. Olalekan Taiwo FNSE, Executive Director Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority Engr. M.O. Odesanya FNSE, Engr. Micheal Awe FNSE, NSE Ikeja Chair. Engr. Funmi Akingbagbohun, NSE Abeokuta Chair. Engr. Dr. O.A. Apampa FNSE, Immediate Past Chair NSE Abeokuta Engr. M.I. Abbass FNSE, General Secretary NSE Abeokuta Branch Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, APWEN Delegates from Bayelsa, Benin and Lagos among other dignitaries.
The Association also showcase various role model of Female Engineers of the South West origin while some are physically on hand to inspire the new generation of girls to take up engineering as career of choice and . Souvenirs like Bags, Socks, Books, Mathematical sets etc were also given out.
Roll call of Women Engineers from South West led by the first registered female engineer in Nigeria Engr Olufunmbi Maduka were also on display.
Dignitaries behind form left Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Abeokuta Chapter, Engr. Omolola Banjo; Guest Speaker, Engr. (Mrs.) Idiat Amusu; Past President APWEN, Engr. Nkechi Isigwe; President APWEN, Engr. Felicia Agubata; Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Highness Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo 111 Alake of Egbaland; Chairman of the Occasion, President, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Adekunle Mokuolu; Representative of GMD, NNPC,, Dr. Babatunde Adeniran,
Did you miss the first Edition? Read below
Report compiled by Isqil Najim and Ade Bajomo