by Isqil Najim
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter held its STEM Fun/End of Year Party, celebrating a year of significant achievements in empowering women and girls in engineering, promoting sustainable development, and fostering innovation, on December 21, 2024
Engr. (Dr.) Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, Chairman of APWEN Lagos, welcomed attendees, highlighting the chapter’s remarkable progress in 2024. “This year has been one of growth, impact, and collaboration,” Dr. Owolabi stated. “We have accomplished remarkable milestones that showcase our commitment to STEM education, capacity building, community engagement, and innovation.”
It is with great joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this special occasion, the APWENLagos Christmas STEM Fun/End of the Year Party. Today, we gather not only to celebrate the festive season but also to reflect on the incredible milestones and achievements of our chapter over the past year.
2024 has been a remarkable year for us as a chapter. Together, we have made significant strides in empowering women and girls in engineering, promoting sustainable development, and fostering innovation. From impactful STEM programs for young girls to training initiatives for young engineers and community engagement projects, our accomplishments speak to the power of collaboration and shared vision.
Key Highlights of APWEN Lagos’ 2024 Achievements:
Leadership Recognition: APWEN Lagos celebrated the election of the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), along with two members elected as NSE Vice Presidents and one to the Audit Committee.
APWEN Lagos Skill-Up Initiative: The chapter expanded its skill-building initiative, offering training in AI for girls in engineering, IoT, AutoCAD, digital manufacturing, power systems, data science, AI, and data analytics. Upcoming initiatives include Solarpreneur Training and the EcoEngage program for young girls focused on climate change and environmental sustainability.
STEM Education: APWEN Lagos conducted career talks in secondary schools, resulting in students from Queens College pursuing engineering at LASU, UI, and UNILAG. The chapter also provided free JAMB forms to support aspiring students in underserved areas, particularly in Ajegunle schools.
Community Engagement: Young engineers led cleanup exercises in Agege and Makoko communities and conducted a cholera sensitization workshop in Ayetoro-Makoko. Plans are underway to provide sustainable infrastructure, including boreholes, toilets, and biodigesters powered by renewable energy.
Membership Growth and Recognition: Members received notable appointments, including General Manager of the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory Agency, Managing Director of the Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria (ACEN), Board Member of a Gas Company, and Member of the Industry Advisory Board, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos.
Institutional Developments: APWEN Lagos secured a 200-capacity hall in UNILAG as a resource hub, established a secretariat office at the NSE Ikeja branch, and launched an online resource hub with access to Udemy courses on various topics, including solar energy, communication skills, digital marketing, AI, and data science.
Graduate Trainee Programs: Partnerships with AutoGiG, Tranos, Dangote, and other organizations provided graduate trainee programs for young engineers.
Partnerships and Collaborations: APWEN Lagos strengthened collaborations with numerous organizations, including AutoGiG, Covenant Plus, Lafred Engineering, Bolamark Engineering, Greenpeg, Eko Disco, Ikeja Electric, MOMAS, Tranos, ACEN, Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory Agency, and Dangote.
APWEN Lagos Idiat Amusu Mentorship Program: The chapter launched a mentorship program incorporating both traditional and reverse mentoring.
Sustainability Initiatives: APWEN Lagos introduced a Home Gardening Drive and is working to institute Mentorship Desks in organizations.
10. Home Gardening Drive:
• As part of our efforts to promote sustainability, we introduced the Home Gardening Drive, encouraging our members to start their own gardens at home. This initiative aims to foster food security, promote healthy living, and empower women to take charge of food production in their homes. It’s a simple yet impactful way of nurturing both personal and environmental wellbeing.
We are also working towards instituting Mentorship Desks in various organizations to ensure that mentorship is embedded within corporate structures. These desks will serve as a dedicated space for guiding young engineers, providing them with the support they need to succeed in their careers.
Outreach to NYSC: The “Engineer the Future” program engaged corp members to inspire them to pursue engineering careers. Through the program, the chapter connected with corp members to share experiences and motivate them to sustain their careers in engineering.
The end of the year party served as a platform for networking, celebration, and reflection on the chapter’s impactful work. Dr. Owolabi expressed gratitude to members, partners, young engineers, students, and volunteers for their contributions.
“This event is a time to relax, bond, and have fun as we usher in a new year filled with even greater opportunities and possibilities,” Dr. Owolabi concluded.
Acclivities for the events include singing STEM fun competitions among participating children as well as provided atmosphere for relaxing and networking among members.