IWD 2026: WEOG Urges Greater Investment In Science, Technology For Nigeria

The Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), Delta chapter, has emphasised that strengthening local capacity in science and technology is critical to reducing dependence on foreign technologies and promoting sustainable national development.

The group made this assertion weekend during a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) advocacy outreach to students of Ogbe Secondary School, Effurun, in Delta state.

The outreach was designed to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields while promoting academic discipline and encouraging interest in science-based professions.

The programme was organised in collaboration with Women in Chemistry (WIC), Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta Chapter, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.

Organisers explained that the advocacy visit formed the first segment of the group’s 2026 International Women’s Day activities and was aimed at directly engaging students and stimulating their interest in careers capable of contributing to national development.

During an interactive session with the students, members of WEOG and WIC stressed the importance of discipline, consistency, focus and respect as essential values for academic success and long-term career growth.

The students were also encouraged to develop a keen interest in STEM-related subjects, which the speakers described as vital drivers of innovation, technological advancement and industrial development.

Speaking at the session, Dr Sarah A. Nwinee, leading the delegations of Chairperson of WEOG Delta chapter, highlighted the urgent need for young innovators capable of developing home-grown solutions to Nigeria’s technological and industrial challenges.

“Strengthening local capacity in science and technology is essential for reducing dependence on foreign technologies and for advancing sustainable national development,” she said.

Speaking on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain: Rethinking Growth Through Giving,” Nwinee described it as a call for increased generosity, solidarity and collaboration among women.

Also addressing the students, the Coordinator of CSN, Delta chapter, Dr Christiana Ogwuche, urged them to remain dedicated to their studies and cultivate curiosity in scientific inquiry.

She encouraged the students to see themselves as future contributors to Nigeria’s development in science, energy and technology.

Following the interactive engagement, members of the delegation toured the school’s science laboratories and observed the need for improved infrastructure to enhance the teaching and learning environment for science education.

The team noted that strengthening laboratory facilities is crucial for helping students develop practical scientific skills, experimentation capabilities and problem-solving abilities necessary for building a strong pipeline of future scientists and engineers.

Meanwhile, during an interactive webinar moderated by Dr Ebinimi Nickson Boms of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Training Institute, the National President of WEOG, Mrs Tolu Longe, encouraged women to support and mentor younger generations.