APWEN: Future of engineering lies in digital skills, innovation

She noted that infrastructure remains the backbone of any thriving economy, adding that digital systems will increasingly determine the quality of life of citizens.

Represented by Engr. Cordelia Ochuole Omoyi, the APWEN president called for renewed commitment to the association’s founding ideals.

According to her, “You have been entrusted with the mandate to build on the successes of your predecessors, strengthen the chapter, and create measurable impact within Benin City, Edo State, and beyond.

“Today’s theme, ‘Engineering Resilient Infrastructure through Technical Excellence and Gender-Inclusive Leadership,’ is both timely and significant.”

"Resilient infrastructure goes beyond physical structures. It means systems that can withstand economic pressures, climate challenges, population growth, and emerging technological demands.

"As engineers, technical excellence must remain our hallmark. Excellence requires competence, innovation, ethics, continuous learning, and adherence to standards.

"It means delivering projects that are safe, sustainable, durable, and fit for purpose. The future belongs to professionals who are prepared to combine engineering knowledge with modern tools, digital solutions, and strategic thinking."

 The guest speaker of the occasion, Engr. Valarie Ifueko Agberagba said they have to make engineering excellence a brand.

"We can’t afford to lower our standard. Gender inclusive leadership – intentionally bringing women and gender-diverse experts into decision-making roles, which research shows leads to more long-term risk assessment, community-focused design, and equitable resource allocation.

"We recognize that diverse teams build more resilient solutions. When you include women, youth, and men in your decision-making, you are gathering more data points.”

In her address, Engr. Dr. Perpetual Oby Obeta said it was a call to service, a call to impact, and a call to advan¹ce the noble vision and mission that define their great association.

She said the vision of APWEN is clear and inspiring: to be the catalyst for advancing women in the engineering profession towards national and global technological development.

Engr. Obeta, while listing the 7th-era vision for the APWEN Benin chapter, includes: professional development and capacity building; mentorship and the girl child initiative; strategic partnerships and industry engagement; advocacy and visibility; impactful community-based engineering projects; welfare and member engagement; and others.

In her address, the outgoing chairman of the APWEN Benin chapter, Engr. Cordelia Ochuole Omoyi urged the incoming executive to lead by courage, remain committed, be innovative with clarity, and serve with integrity.