News
Women Engineers Advocate Equal Representation, Inclusive Policies
Association of Professional Women Engineering Technologists (APWET) has emphasised the need for strategic investment and conducive environment to improve and retain women in science and engineering careers.
The Chairperson of the association, Hajiya Umma Jega, made the call at the inaugural seminar of the association on Thursday, with the theme “Professional Women and Society” in Abuja.
She said the seminar was aimed at exploring the diverse roles of women in technology, addressing technological advancements, innovation, and their significant contributions to society.
According to her, APWET, as the women wing of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering, is dedicated to promoting professional excellence among engineering personnel, advocating for women and girl-child education.
She said it was also to safeguard the interests of female graduates of engineering technology in the country.
She added that “the event is a significant step toward fostering a supportive community, providing networking opportunities, and encouraging collaboration.
“It is also to create a platform for professional women to connect, share experiences, and thrive in their careers, while maintaining healthy work-life balance.”
Jega thanked all for making the seminar possible, urging participants to learn, connect, and pave the way for a brighter future for professional women in technology.
Dr Elizabeth Eterigho, the Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, expressed concern over under-representation of women in crucial leadership roles across various sectors in Nigeria.
This absence, she said, contributed to the lack of interest among young girls in engineering and other male-dominated professions.
Eterigho emphasised that boosting women’s representation in scientific leadership roles would enhance diversity, inclusion, and ultimately drive profitability, productivity, and creativity in key economic sectors.
She highlighted the potential to address skill shortages by encouraging more girls to pursue and retain engineering courses and careers.
“There is need to address and end stereotypes affecting women engineering technologies in all positions and developments.
“Infact, 30 per cent of female researchers are women, and it’s sad to note that women and girls are still underrepresented in critical spaces.
“So, the way forward is to be innovative. I am a girls’ rights advocate and I always tell them that they should have the ‘I Can’ mentality’, That is, nothing is impossible for them.
“There is also the need to invest more in women-led research. Also, tiers of government must support women in science to stay put. In fact, many have left because there is no enabling environment.
A Keynote Speaker, Dr Harmony Chimezie-Nwosu, emphasised the crucial need for work-life balance among female engineers, urging them to prioritise their mental well-being.
Recognising the significant contributions of women engineers to the nation’s economy, she also stressed the importance of safeguarding their careers and family life.
Chimezie-Nwosu pointed out that the challenges of balancing work-life, especially in the engineering field, often lead women to exit the sector.
“Juggling multiple roles as mothers, wives, daughters, and professionals pose difficulties,” she said.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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