- They stated that female engineers across different branches of the profession could rehabilitate the refineries in just one year
- A call was made for reducing reliance on foreign experts and promoting local engineering talent
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) urged President Bola Tinubu to grant female engineers the opportunity to restore the country’s non-functional refineries.
During their public lecture and Annual General Meeting in Ikeja, the newly-elected APWEN Lagos Chapter Chairman, Mrs Atinuke Owolabi, conveyed this appeal. She expressed confidence that female engineers across different branches of the profession could rehabilitate the refineries in just one year. Owolabi emphasized that empowering indigenous engineers was crucial for national development and highlighted women’s innate qualities as capable managers.
She called for reducing reliance on foreign experts and promoting local engineering talent. Additionally, Owolabi committed to mentorship and skill development for young engineers and vowed to collaborate with NGOs for community development programs.
“All women engineers are ready to come together and see how we can proffer solutions, making sure that we revamp these refineries.
“So, we call on our president to challenge female engineers to revamp and rehabilitate these refineries, and I want to assure you that, within a year, just challenge us, we will make sure that the refineries would be put to operation by the grace of God,” she said.
The guest speaker, Mrs Olayinka Abdul, discussed the imperative of female engineers in sustainable infrastructure, emphasizing the need for green alternatives due to rising fuel costs. She noted Lagos’ investments in renewable energy and highlighted completed and ongoing projects across various sectors.