The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has called on women engineers across the country to take a leading role in delivering practical solutions to both national and global engineering challenges, urging them to move beyond advocacy into impactful action.

The National President of APWEN, Mrs. Chinyere Igwegbe, made the call during the inauguration of the third Chairman and Executive Committee of the APWEN Umuahia chapter held in Umuahia, Abia State.

According to Igwegbe, the future of engineering will be shaped by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. She noted that women engineers possess the technical expertise and community-focused perspectives required to tackle major issues, including climate change, renewable energy, food security, infrastructure development and technological advancement.

Congratulating the newly inaugurated Chairman of the APWEN Umuahia chapter and members of the executive committee, she urged them to establish a united leadership driven by teamwork, purposeful programmes and long-term institutional sustainability.

She said, “I encourage the new executives to strengthen members’ professional competence, mentor young girls into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, deepen collaboration with government, industry and academic institutions, and champion gender inclusion within the engineering profession.”

Speaking after her inauguration as the third Chairman of the APWEN Umuahia chapter, Mrs. Chibuogwu Okoro pledged to build an organisation known for excellence, innovation, professional development and sustainable community impact.

Okoro outlined five strategic priorities that will guide her administration. These include expanding membership, promoting continuous professional development, increasing STEM advocacy for girls, strengthening partnerships with government and private sector organisations, and implementing engineering interventions that directly improve the lives of communities.

She further observed that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, digital transformation and smart infrastructure are reshaping the engineering profession worldwide. She maintained that women engineers should not simply adjust to these developments but take the lead in driving them.

Earlier, distinguished speakers Dr. Felicia Nnenna Agubata, Prof. Uwaoma Kalu Uche, Dr. Nwachukwu Chibuike and Professor Mabel Onwuka challenged the newly inaugurated executive committee to prioritise mentorship, technical upskilling, community intervention projects and science communication that makes engineering knowledge more accessible to rural women and young people.

The speakers also encouraged the Umuahia chapter to establish scholarship schemes and recognition awards for outstanding students while commending APWEN for the vision and strategic direction of its programmes.

Source: Punch