Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, PhD, bags APMAN OF THE YEAR award from Women Engineers
....for steadfast commitment and relentless support for women engineers over the years
The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, PhD, has bagged the prestigious award of APMAN OF THE YEAR from the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Bayelsa Chapter.
The award, which was presented to the representative of the Deputy Governor and Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Gowon Toruyouyei, is a testament to his steadfast commitment and relentless support for women engineers over the years, particularly for the initiatives both at the national and state levels spearheaded by APWEN.
The award ceremony was part of the activities marking the inauguration of APWEN’s 4th Chairman, Engr. Mrs. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite, PhD, FNSE, FNIPetE.
The gathering included a special inaugural lecture dedicated to Nigeria’s first female professor of mechanical engineering, Engr. Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu FNSE, who was the pioneer vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, a tribute to the remarkable achievements in a field that is often male-dominated, showcasing APWEN’s dedication to honouring such milestones.
This event underscored APWEN’s unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for women in engineering.
By establishing a strong platform for professional networking, exchange of knowledge, and mutual encouragement, APWEN aspires to elevate the representation and capabilities of female engineers across Nigeria.
The recognition of outstanding individuals like Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo is crucial in furthering the organization’s goals, which include empowerment and the promotion of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
The remarkable ceremony attracted a distinguished audience that included the President of APWEN, Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim, as well as several notable figures. The esteemed attendees comprised the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, and the immediate past Deputy Governor, His Excellency Rear Admiral Gborigbiogha John Jonah. Additionally, Hon. Barr George Braah, representing the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and serving as the esteemed member from Nembe Constituency 1, was also present.
Prominent figures that graced the occasion included Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye OON, FNSE, the former Executive Vice President of Upstream at NNPCL, as well as the Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) focusing on Professional Development. Both the 8th and 9th Presidents of APWEN, Engr. Dr. Patricia Opene-Odili FNSE and Engr. Valerie Agberagba FNSE, along with Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, FNSE from the Bayelsa State Electricity Company, attended the event, signalling strong support for women’s advancements in engineering.
The ceremony was enhanced by the presence of Apostle King David Zilly Aggrey, the General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, represented by Bishop Peter Leghemo.
Among the honoured guests was Hon. Dcn. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, PhD, the husband of the newly inaugurated Chairman, who has an impressive background as a former Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and a past Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, as well as Education.
He currently provides services as a Special Adviser to the Governor, alongside the State Chairman of NSE, Engr. Edoghotu Boyibim Jonah FNSE, and several other notable past and present chairmen of NSE from the South-South region.
This celebration not only highlighted the remarkable contributions of women to the field of engineering but also aimed to inspire and motivate future generations to explore and pursue careers in STEM disciplines. The essence of the event was to empower women, fostering a diverse and inclusive engineering landscape in Nigeria.
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