Enugu: On Saturday, women Engineers in Enugu, under the aegis of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Enugu chapter gathered at the prestigious Golden Royale Hotel, Enugu for the investiture of an amazon, Engr Dr Cecilia Igbonakalum Okafor, MNSE, MNIEEE, as her 7th Chairman.
The investiture of Engr Dr Okafor, “The Digital Chairman” and the inauguration of her Executives was unique in more ways than one.
Firstly, half of her star studded Executive comprised of Ph.D holders. Secondly, the APWEN President and Chairman of the occassion, Engr Funmilola Ojelade, FNSE, attended the investiture in person despite her busy schedule.
Other members of the APWEN Enugu chapter Executive include; Engr Dr Harmony Nne na Nwobodo Nzeribe, MNSE, Vice Chairman, Engr Dr Obianuju Abonyi, MNSE, General Secretary, Engr Ifeyinwa Oduah, MNSE, Assistant Secretary, Engr Dr Ndidi Ugwoke, MNSE, Technical Secretary.
Others are Engr Chigozie Achi, MNSE, Financial Secretary, Engr Dr Chioma Ugwa, MNSE, Treasurer, Engr Georgina Bio, MNSE, Publicity Secretary, Engr Chinwe Mbah, MNSE, Ex – Officio and Engr Evangeline Ekoh, MNSE, Immediate Past Chairman.
In her investiture address, Engr. Dr. Okafor promised that, in her tenure, “The chapter will do aggressive media Publicity. We shall open accounts on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. We shall also make steady appearances in the dailies and on Radio and Television.
Dr Okafor was befittingly hailed as “The Digital Chairman”, in view of her robust media action plan aimed at meeting up with APWEN’s agenda, which is to be a catalyst for advancement of women in the Engineering profession towards National and Global technological development.
The new APWEN Chairman, a co-founder of APWEN, Enugu chapter and a versatile engineer parades an impressive resume with decades of solid experience in Engineering, ranging from her own field of Electronics/Computer to Power and even Civil.
She paid a special tribute to her late husband, Mr. Pius Emenike Okafor, a Biochemist, Financial Analyst and Entrepreneur.
Also, she appreciated her children, Adaobi and Somkene as well as Engr Dr Ukamaka Eze, Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee and a former chapter Chairman, APWEN Enugu.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Immediate Past Chairman, Engr Evangeline Ekoh, MNSE noted the fundamental role of Engineering in societal advancement, stating that “Engineers are continuing God’s work of creation. Engineering is involved in everything including the clothes we are putting on. In fact, without Engineers, we would all be naked”.
She also called for a minute’s silence in honour of Late Engr Prof Sam Ndubuisi, who was recently assasinated.
In her motherly advise, the APWEN President, Engr Funmilola Ojelade, FNSE urged APWEN Enugu members to be team players, by carrying everyone along.
She also spoke of the power of Positivity. According to her, thinking positively about others will, in reciproctity attract positivity and goodwill from others towards one’s self.
Highights of the event include cutting of the Inauguration cake and a guest lecture presented by Engr Prof Ogechukwu Iloanusi, MNSE, HOD, Electronic Department University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Prof Iloanusi, the first female Professor of Engineering in Nigeria and the first female HOD of Electronic Engineering Department, UNN discussed work ethics and the challenges faced by women Engineers in a male dominated field.
