A past president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Mrs Idiat Amusu has challenged female engineers to deploy sustainable innovations in tackling infrastructure, social-economic and environmental issues.
She stated this at a public lecture organised by the Lagos chapter of APWEN to commemorate the world’s creativity and innovation day. The forum featured awards to a talented Nigerian child, and a pupil of Treasure House School, Lagos, Marcel Nwatu, who distinguished himself in the Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO) and Women in Engineering (WIE) FAEO-WIE Art competition and other winners in the chapter’s innovation competition.
Speaking on “Embracing Sustainability in Engineering Innovations and Best Practices,” Amusu argued that engineers’ role in any society includes optimising economic returns, improving quality of life and ensuring sustainable use of resources, as well as limiting waste.
She explained that engineers must learn to invent systems that could ensure sustainable agriculture, clean technology, circular economy, and promote the reuse of materials.
Amusu emphasised the need to use natural resources wisely by balancing the social, economic environment, and reducing waste in the environment.
According to her, engineers must prioritise efficient design in the energy system, integrate renewable energy to lower consumption, and reduce wastes from project design, as well as promote transport efficiency and create awareness of water conservation and green building designs.
She said practitioners must commit to excellence, impact generation and encourage women engineers to break barriers and devise solutions to society’s problems, and promote inclusiveness.
Amusu also called for collaboration and stakeholders’ engagement for the sustainability of the environment. She urged women engineers to leave their comfort zone to generate ideas that could make the nation great, as well as inspire the next generation to develop systems take care of the present, and preserve the future.
The Chairman, APWEN Lagos Chapter, Atinuke Owolabi, acknowledged the role played by young engineers and female engineering students in driving innovation in the country, and wants them to delve into innovation and sustainability, as well as commit to excellence, and contribute meaningfully to society.
“In a world filled with challenges and opportunities, creativity and innovation propel progress. As women engineers, we champion the pivotal role of innovation in shaping societies and fostering sustainable development.
The day reaffirms our dedication to nurturing creativity and innovation in the broader engineering community.
Earlier, APWEN President, Dr Adebisi Osim, represented by a former chairman of APWEN Lagos Chapter, Mariam Afolayan, advised the younger engineers to come up with innovations that can change Nigerian society and the world positively.