APWEN, FG, States to Boost Engineering Innovation

The newly inaugurated chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter, Engr Atinuke Wurola Owolabi, said the association will collaborate with both Federal and State Governments to foster innovation in the engineering

Engr Owolabi who disclosed this during her acceptance speech, said during her tenure, as the 10th Chairman of APWEN Lagos Chapter, the association will key into President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision on Renewed Hope to promote innovation and empowerment of the female engineers to generate groundbreaking ideas on emerging technologies with global impact.

“Today marks a monumental moment as we embark on a journey towards a future where women engineers in Nigeria stand at the forefront of innovation, empowerment, and progress. It is with immense gratitude and humility that I step into the role of the 10th Chairman of The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter”.

As we gather here on this significant occasion of the International Women’s Day Public Lecture, under the theme “Empowering Women Through Economic Inclusion for an Equitable Future,” I am profoundly moved by the trust and confidence bestowed upon me to lead this esteemed Association.

I must begin by expressing my deepest appreciation to my family, especially our brother, Mr. Segun Agbaje who has been with us ever since our dad died and whose unwavering support has been my guiding light throughout my journey. To my husband, your encouragement and understanding have been my steadfast pillars of strength. It is the harmony within our family that fuels my passion and drive. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Engr Owolabi noted that APWEN Lagos has always been a catalyst for the advancement of great initiatives, adding that as they embarked on their tenure for the next two years, initiatives will be designed to propel the advancement of women in engineering and foster economic inclusion for a more equitable future.

She revealed that the APWEN Lagos Chapter will be embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to establish a vibrant resource, technology, and innovation hub aimed at empowering female Engineering students, young engineers, and members and driving technological innovation in the country.

“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”.

Engr Owolabi said a hub has been named Engr Ife Oyedele Resource, Technology and Innovation Hub. He is the President of the UNILAG Alumni Association Worldwide and the Executive Director ( Network) of Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

According to her, some of the key features in the hub would include state-of-the-art Facilities, to be equipped with cutting-edge technology, high-speed internet connectivity, and modern infrastructure to support various activities such as workshops, seminars, hackathons, and networking events.

She said the donated 200-capacity Multipurpose hall will serve as the central space for hosting events, training programs, and collaborative initiatives and will be outfitted with audiovisual equipment, flexible seating arrangements, and other amenities to accommodate diverse needs.

She also said a dedicated innovation lab will provide the engineering students and members with access to prototyping tools, software development kits, and other resources to facilitate hands-on experimentation and product development.

On capacity building, Engr Owolabi said workshops and training programs on emerging technologies, project management, and leadership skills to enhance the professional development of women engineers will be organised.