By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN has said that the vision of Association to break the gender disparity by being an advocate for the advancement of female engineers in national and global technological development.

The president of APWEN, Engr. Elizabeth Eterigho, FNSE, FNSChE disclosed this at the inauguration of the pioneer chairman of the 43rd chapter of APWEN, the Victoria Island (VI), Engr Comfort Afella.

In her welcome address, Eterigho disclosed that the organization is an all-female association in a male-dominated profession with over 4800 registered members in 42 cities and 29 campuses across the six zones of Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture “Renewable and Sustainable Energy: Impact in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector” Eterigho said, is apt, adding that as a nation traditionally reliant on oil, Nigeria faces both challenges and opportunities as we navigate the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.

“The impact of incorporating renewable energy is multifaceted. Embracing sustainable energy practices makes us as a country to align with global environmental imperatives. Nigeria, like most nations, must address climate change concerns by reducing carbon emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy not only mitigates environmental impact but also positions us as responsible stewards of our planet.

“Economically, diversifying our energy portfolio is crucial. The volatility of oil prices underscores the vulnerability of a mono-economy.
She however, encouraged the executive to work as a team and be knitted together to achieve a solid foundation for sustainability of and in the chapter.

In her inauguration speech, Engr. Comfort Afella FNSE, Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Victoria Island Chapter, pledged to encourage the participation of female engineers who live and work in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, Ajah, Epe and environs to participate in APWEN programs and activities and embark on capacity development programs for female engineers to enable them achieve professional excellence as engineers and leaders in Nigeria.

“We want creative and innovative programs among our young female engineers and mentor emerging talents to various career opportunities available to them after graduation.

“We want Secondary school outreach programs to build the capacity of the secondary school girls in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects through workshops and competitions to increase higher institution enrollment rates in engineering within our catchment area.

“We will mobilize resources and efforts for scholarships schemes, school science lab equipment, and other social infrastructures.

“In its 40 years of existence, APWEN has embarked on a mission to increase the number of women practicing engineering in Nigeria and also collaborated with various advocacy groups to progressively and consistently inspire young girls into engineering and science.

“APWEN has also accomplished a lot in the educational and service sector. However, engineering remains one of the least gender-diverse professions in Nigeria and the world at large, with an unacceptable slow rate of improvement.

“Considering the massive potential and contribution of women to society, we will continue to progress the effort to increase the awareness that engineering is a career for girls in order to improve the numerical strength of females in the engineering profession towards national and global technological development until we breakthrough”, she said.

She however urged all members of APWEN and male colleagues present to support in achieving these goals saying without their collective efforts, the goals will not be achieved.