ACCEPTANCE SPEECH AS THE 10TH CHAIRMAN OF APWENLAGOS

Distinguished Elders, my dear colleagues, our highly esteem invited guests, the election committee led by the past chairman of our great association, Engr Nimot Muili, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Today, I am filled with profound gratitude with a great sense of humility as I assume the role of Chairman for the Lagos chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria APWEN.
This moment stands as a testament to the collective effort in striving for excellence and dedication of every woman within our professional calling. It is a honour and privilege to have the baton of leading this remarkable community of resilient, talented innovators and engineers for the next two years pass unto me. I will in the best of my ability work with my team to ensure we raise the bar and break new ground so the confidence reposed in us is not misplaced.

Together, we shall shatter barriers and triumph over challenges in reaffirmation of the fact that gender should never constrain one’s potential in any domain.

As my team and I embark on this new chapter, I commit to being a voice for all female engineers in our state – the centre of excellence, setting the pace for others. I will advocate for equality of opportunities by empowering each member, and cultivate a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere for aspiring engineers.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to our immediate past Chairman, Engr Monsurah Alagbe, a dear friend and sister, for her exceptional leadership and commitment. Her guidance has paved way for us all to strive for excellence.

Let’s be united in our mission to inspire the next generation of female engineers, encouraging them to dream big, transcend boundaries, and lead with innovation and empathy.

The focal point of our public lecture today revolves around the role of female engineers in fostering sustainable infrastructure. As we all know, any nation aspiring for development must empower its indigenous engineers and manpower. We will use this medium to implore the leaders at the sub national level and President of our dear nation to recognise the pivotal roles female engineers can play in nation-building. It is imperative that our homegrown engineers are empowered and granted the right opportunity to showcase our competence. We need to deploy our skills and knowledge in the production of technological solutions that addresses our engineering and infrastructural needs rather than solely depending on consumption and the innovations of others.

We will engage and demand that our political leaders challenge us to revamp the nation’s refineries within a year. Engineers are adept problem solvers; we are poised to offer solutions and contribute to the nation’s progress. We are committed to remaining and rectifying the challenges facing our country.

To all who have placed their trust and faith in me and my team, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. Together, we will achieve remarkable feats and leave a lasting impact on the engineering field and in our society.

Let’s embrace this unique responsibility with passion and sense of unity, as we build a brighter future for women in engineering in Lagos State.

Thank you all.

ENGR.ATINUKE WURAOLA OWOLABI MNSE, FNIEEE