By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsa Chapter has inaugurated its new chairperson, Engr. Mrs. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite.
APWEN also bestowed on the Bayelsa First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri an award of honour “to acknowledge her significant contributions to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, which is crucial for the development of the state and nation at large.”
The wife of the Bayelsa State governor was also recognised for her “unwavering dedication to championing issues related to women and advocating for the empowerment of the girl child.”
The inauguration and award ceremony, which witnessed a special inaugural lecture dedicated to honouring Nigeria’s 1st female professor of Mechanical Engineering, Engr. Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu and pioneer vice chancellor, Nigerian Maritime University, Okorenkoko, Delta State, reflected the organization’s deep respect for milestones in the field of engineering.
This occasion also underscored APWEN’s steadfast commitment to fostering an environment where women in engineering can thrive.
By providing a robust platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, APWEN aims to enhance the professional landscape for female engineers across Nigeria.
The recognition of influential individuals like Dr. Mrs Gloria Diri is a vital step towards achieving the organisation’s overarching goals of empowerment and representation.
The event also drew a distinguished audience, whoch was presided over by the President of APWEN, Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim.
Notable attendees included the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the immediate past deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gborigbiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance was the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Barr George Braah, who is the member representing Nembe Constituency 1.
Other prominent figures gracing the event included Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, the immediate past Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPCL.
The Vice President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Professional Development, the 8th and 9th APWEN Presidents, Engr. Dr. Patricia Opene-Odili and Engr. Valerie Agberagba MD, Bayelsa State Electricity company, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo FNSE, were also present, lending their support to the gathering.
The event was further enriched by the attendance of Apostle King David Zilly Aggrey, general overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, represented by Bishop Peter Leghemo.
Among the distinguished guests was the husband of the new chairman, Hon. Dcn. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, who has a notable history as a former Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and former Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, and Education. He currently serves as a special adviser to the governor, alongside the State Chairman of NSE, Engr. Edoghotu Boyibim Jonah and several other serving and past chairmen of NSE in south south zone .
This celebration of women’s contributions to engineering not only highlights individual achievements but also inspires future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields.
