Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to support the innovations of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) targeted at driving the nation’s development and advancement.
Sanwo-Olu made the promise in Ikeja over the weekend at the International Women’s Day (IWD) Public Lecture and inauguration of Dr. Atinuke Owolabi as the 10th Chairman of APWEN, Lagos Chapter.
The theme of the event was: “Empowering women through economic inclusion for an equitable future”.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, expressed the hope that Owolabi would take the association to a greater height based on her track record.
“For us in Lagos State, we are ready to partner with you (APWEN) and collaborate with you in all the activities that you require the support of government,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu commended the efforts of female engineers in nation building as well as the resilience of Owolabi in the politics of Lagos.
He recalled her contributions during last year’s general elections, as the director of the Professional Women Directorate of the Tinubu/Shettima and Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat Independent Campaign Council.
“When the 10th APWEN chairman was reeling out her programmes, I discovered that we (Lagos State Government and APWEN) have a lot in common,” he said.
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Fielding questions from reporters, the governor added that the state had an Office of Civic Engagement through which it could nurture visions to reality.
APWEN National President, Dr Adebisi Osim, stressed the need for inclusion for women so they could use their innate abilities to impact the nation positively.
Osim advised the new APWEN chairman “to be focused, dedicated and passionate about what she wants to do and I believe the sky will be her limit because she will be able to achieve all”.
Earlier, in her acceptance speech after the inauguration, Owolabi reeled out her achievements and unveiled her two-year plans for technological and economic advancement of the association, female engineers, Lagos State and Nigeria.
She said the launch of a Resource, Technology, and Innovation Hub during the event was to provide aspiring engineers access to cutting-edge resources to enhance their skills and capabilities.
Newly inaugurated executives during International Women’s Day (IWD) Public Lecture and inauguration of Dr Atinuke Owolabi as the 10th Chairman of APWEN, Lagos Chapter on Friday in Lagos. (Nation)