By Moses Nosike
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, (APWEN) Victoria Island Chapter has re-enforced its commitment for capacity building among members in a bid to remain competitive and meet the demand of global trend in engineering sector. It also encourages young female engineers to join the professional association for capacity development, gain exposure for standard practice.
The association said this during the inauguration/public lecture of the 2nd chairman of the chapter, Engr. Nneamaka Grace Ekechukwu, and swearing-in of new executive committee members.
In her address, Ekechukwu said, “The Association of Professional Women Engineers was founded on the belief that women, united in purpose, can transform the engineering profession, industries, and society. Over the years, we have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and created pathways for those who come after us.
“Today, we celebrate not only our achievements but also our resilience and determination. Acknowledging the Journey, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), is a non-profit, non-governmental organization. APWEN has been an advocate for advancing the professional development of practicing female engineers, technologists and scientists, inspiring young girls to study science and engineering, and mentoring engineering students through seminars/conferences, to ensure retention post-graduation”.
Lending her words on the theme of the inauguration: “A Global Call for Climate Action”, she said, “It is urgent and intentional. As professional women engineers, we do not have the luxury of spectating while our planet groans under the weight of rising temperatures, flooding, waste pollution, and energy poverty”.
Ekechukwu said that climate action is no longer a future aspiration; it is a present engineering mandate. “APWEN believes that engineering is the frontline defence against climate collapse”.
According to her, “From designing resilient drainage systems in Victoria island to championing renewable energy solutions in our rural communities, we are called to act. This public lecture will challenge us to move beyond conversation to practical, measurable interventions”.
Also, guest speaker during her presentation on, “Climate Action Now: The Strategic Role of Women Engineers in Building a Sustainable Future”, Engr. Olufenmilayo Kadri, said, “As we celebrate two significant occasions: The inauguration of the Second Chairman of the APWEN, Victoria Island Chapter and the global observance of World Environment Day 2026, the world is united by a common concern and a common responsibility. Across continents, governments, industries, professionals, communities, and citizens are asking a critical question: How do we secure a livable future for generations yet unborn? The answer lies in one phrase: Climate Action”.
Engr. Kadri said that the environmental challenges confronting our world today are no longer future predictions, they are present realities. “We see them in rising temperatures. We see them in flooding and coastal erosion. We see them in the pollution of our land, air, and water. We see them in biodiversity loss. We see them in increasing pressure on our infrastructure and resources”.
“Nowhere are these challenges more visible than in rapidly urbanising coastal cities such as Lagos. Yet it also illustrates the environmental pressures that accompany rapid growth. As engineers, we understand that development and environmental stewardship are not opposing goals. They must work together”.
She said, “The cities of the future will not be judged solely by the height of their buildings or the size of their investments. They will be judged by their sustainability, resilience, and ability to protect both people and the planet”.
Engr. Kadri said further that the responsibility places engineers at the centre of climate action.
“Engineering has always been about solving society’s greatest challenges. It also requires diverse perspectives, inclusive leadership, and innovative thinking”.
Continuing she said, “Across Nigeria and beyond, female engineers are making remarkable contributions in environmental engineering, renewable energy, transportation, water resources, waste management, sustainable construction, urban planning, and digital technologies”. (Vanguard)