APWEN Urges Indigenous Engineers To Drive Africa’s Future

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called for stronger collaboration among engineers, policymakers and industry leaders to shape Nigeria and Africa’s future through innovative, technology-driven solutions.

The Chairman, Mrs Bosede Oyekunle, represented by her dedeputy, Mrs Zansi Adebowale, made the call during the association’s Public Lecture, Monthly Meeting and Family Celebration on Saturday in Ikeja.

The theme for the event is “Engineering the Future: The Africa and Nigeria We Want”.

Oyekunle said 2025 was marked by growth, challenges and achievements, with engineers translating ideas into impactful solutions.

She urged professionals to build on this momentum in 2026.

According to her, Nigeria and Africa face increasing infrastructure needs, energy transition challenges and expanding technological opportunities.

This, she noted , was making engineering-driven collaboration critical to national and continental development.

She called on industry leaders to partner with APWEN in mentoring young engineers and investing in innovative solutions.

Oyekunle advised government officials to work closely with professional bodies to formulate policies that promote industrial growth, sustainability and engineering excellence.

She also urged young engineers and students to actively shape Africa’s future.

APWEN President, Mrs Chinyere Igwegbe, who joined virtually, commended the Lagos Chapter for its consistency and excellence.

Igwegbe said the future Africa and Nigeria desire must be deliberately designed through visionary leadership, strong partnerships and the active participation of women engineers at decision-making levels.

The guest speaker, Mr Yetunde Holloway, urged engineers to develop local solutions to urbanisation challenges rather than rely on imported technologies.

Holloway, represented by Mrs Nimot Muili, Chairman, Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, emphasised the need for projects designed for longevity, cultural relevance, environmental suitability and gender inclusion.

Mrs Nkechi Isigwe, a former president and founding member of APWEN, called on engineers to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership.

She urged participants to see concepts such as biogas and waste management as revenue-generating opportunities rather than academic discussions.

She challenged young engineers, especially women, to position themselves as global leaders.

Dr Felicia Agubata, a former APWEN President, highlighted the critical role engineers play in national development and industrialisation.

She called for sustained collaboration between engineers, government and the private sector, as well as constructive engagement in policy formulation and implementation.

The event attracted past presidents, founding members, NSE branch chairmen, young engineers and families.

The event featured health checks, educative sessions, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities, family games and other side attractions. (NAN)