The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN Lagos recently unveiled its new Chairman, Engr (Dr) Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi (nee Agbaje) as 10 Chairman. the event also coincided with the Association;s 20th Anniversary and International Women Day. here the expectations and Promises of the Engr Owolabi
At the event, Engr Owolabi unveiled her plans for the next two years. Aside from the regular programmes that contact public lectures, Technical sessions, career talks, Industrial Visits, retreats, Community Engineering and advocacy , and host of other activities that run through the years, Engr Owolabi unveiled new programmes which she intended to add to the long list of existing projects that continue to serve members and the society.
What She said….
APWEN Lagos has always been a catalyst for the advancement of great initiatives, and as we embark on this collective journey, I am thrilled to unveil our strategic plans for the next two years‑initiatives designed to propel the advancement of women in engineering and foster economic inclusion for a more equitable future.
RESOURCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION HUB꞉
This initiative is made possible through the generous donation of a 200‑capacity
hall by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos. The primary objective of the Resource, Technology, and Innovation Hub is to create a collaborative ecosystem where female Engineering students ( with 10% of our boys), young Engineers and professional women engineers can access resources, exchange knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address societal challenges.
The hub is aptly named Engr Ife Oyedele Resource, Technology and Innovation hub. A great inspiration to the profession, he is the President of the UNILAG Alumni Association Worldwide and the Executive Director ( Network) of Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
Some of the key features in the hub would include ꞉
INNOVATOR YEAR AWARD FOR FEMALE ENGINEERING STUDENTS꞉
The chapter is launching the “Innovator of the Year Award for female engineering students” to recognise and celebrate outstanding female engineering students who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, creativity, and leadership in their academic pursuits.
This initiative is generously sponsored by another inspiration, the Chairman of Momas Engineering Company, Engr (Dr) Kola Balogun, a visionary in indigenous technological advancement. The Award is named MOMAS INNOVATOR YEAR AWARD FOR THE FEMALE ENGINEERING STUDENTS. This initiative will come up in the month of April and it will be holding every year in the same month.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ( AI) FOR GIRLS IN ENGINEERING CLUB ( APWEN LAGOS SKILL UP INITIATIVE)꞉
We have established the Artificial Intelligence Girls in Engineering Club, empowering young girls to excel in the dynamic field of AI and paving the way for future female leaders in technology. Our initiatives also include the “Catch Her Early to STEM” program, Introduce a Girl to Engineering, Take a Girl to Work Day, science competitions, offering scholarships to young talents and providing free JAMB forms to female science students that want to pursue career in Engineering across the state.
REVERSE MENTORING INITIATIVE FOR OUR ELDERS꞉
We are implementing Reverse Mentoring programs to leverage the wisdom of our seasoned professionals, guiding and inspiring the next generation of engineers while the new generation also mentors the older generation on new Tech trends.
ACQUIRING 18‑SEATER BUS
As we celebrate 20 years of APWEN’s presence in Lagos, I call for support in acquiring a much‑needed bus for APWEN Lagos Chapter, to enhance our mobility and better serve our communities and stakeholders.
UNVEILING OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 6 INITIATIVE BY HE, PRINCESS ADEJOKE ORELOPE-ADEFULIRE
The initiative will be driven by our young engineers under the mentorship and support of APWEN Lagos Chapter. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, we aim to contribute towards achieving SDG6 and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all Nigerians.
SPECIAL REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP ON INTERNSHIP AND GRADUATE TRAINEE SCHEME TO EMPOWER FEMALE ENGINEERING STUDENTS AND FRESH GRADUATES꞉
We are advocating for the empowerment of female engineers through opportunities for growth and development. We seek partnerships with government and private organisations, urging support for our Internship and Graduate Trainee Scheme. By collaborating with APWENLagos, you’ll bolster the professional growth of young female engineers and advance gender equality in the field.
Our Graduate Trainee Scheme will provide structured training and mentorship for female engineering graduates, ensuring they have the skills to thrive in their careers. This initiative aims to prevent talented individuals from being underutilised or deterred from engineering due to limited opportunities.
Message from immediate past Chairman Engr Monsura Alagbe FNSE
I express my deepest gratitude to each and every entity that supported and stood by us during my tenure as the Chairman. Together, we were able to achieve remarkable milestones and implement impactful programs that have left an indelible mark on our Chapter and for continuity as well.
During my tenure, three of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals were of the focus, SDGs 3, 4, and 5 (Good Health and Well‑Being, Quality Education, and Gender Equality) while SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) has always been to foster the possibility of getting results, having great collaboration with other establishments. We initiated several special programs/workshops/trainings aimed at empowering and uplifting our members, central to our mission were the STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for our female gender in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels within the IBILE divisions of Lagos State
There were These programs, which include Science Scholarship Program for Girls, Science Essay Competitions for Secondary Schools, Career Talks in Schools, Coding & AI Club, Breast Cancer Awareness Programs, Voluntary Blood Donation Drive etc. were designed with the vision of fostering professional growth, mentorship, and networking opportunities for our esteemed members and ambassadors while their health is being intentionally considered, the reason for medical related programs that the Chapter also engaged in.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the former and present executive committee members. Your dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in the success of our initiatives. Together, we navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and built a foundation for the continued growth of APWEN Lagos Chapter.
I have full confidence in her (Engr Atinuke Owolabi) ability to lead with grace and commitment. I am certain that the programs initiated during my tenure will not only be sustained but a lot in the area of information technology and Artificial Intelligence will be of greater priority to her leadership.
The journey towards gender equality is one that we embark on together, hand in hand. The support from government in particular is invaluable, and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships for the betterment of our profession and society at large.
Thank you all for your unwavering support, and I look forward to witnessing the continued success of APWEN Lagos Chapter under the capable leadership of Engr. (Dr.) Atinuke Owolabi, MNSE.
APWEN Lagos marks 20th Anniversary, IWD with launching of Three New Initiatives
“Empowering women for inclusion is not just about achieving gender balance”- Prof Toyin Ashiru
