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WARRI – The 2025 edition of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Global Women’s Breakfast, organized by Women in Chemistry, CSN Delta Chapter in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Section 104, Warri, was held on Tuesday 11th February 2025, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State.
The event, which is tagged, “Accelerating Equity in Science,” was marked by a grand gathering of distinguished professionals, scholars, and students, with virtual audience participating via Zoom.
The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, who was represented by Engr. Dr. Ahmed A. Adamu, the Director of Engineering, in delivering the Sponsor’s remarks, praised the growing role of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), emphasizing that women are no longer seeking quotas but are competing on merit and competence.
“The contributions of women in chemistry and engineering are undeniable. Today, women are making remarkable discoveries and innovations that are transformiong industries globally. The current composition of PTI’s Top Management Board is a testament to the fact that women have earned their rightful place in leadership,” Dr. Adamu stated.
Aradel Holdings, represented by Mrs Rita Olarewaju, General Manager HR & Corporate Services, in delivering their Sponsor’s remarks, noted that despite women’s striking contributions to science and technology, they remain underrepresented in the workforce. She called for sustained efforts to bridge this gap in science and technology, as women remain underrepresented in the workforce.
Mrs. Bukola Adubi CEO, MicCom Cables & Wires Ltd and the President, of Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, in her goodwill message stated that, “we need to actively promote STEM education for girls and share the success stories of female scientists.” She stressed the need for more collaboration among stakeholders to foster the study of STEM Courses which in the long run will truly accelerate gender equity in education. She further stated that she is always happy to speak in forums that promote the development of women and girls in STEM.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Koida Owate, Chairman of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta State Chapter, expressed his excitement about the increasing participation of young girls in chemistry. He encouraged them to remain focused, stating:
“The Chemical Society of Nigeria is a proud promoter of STEM education. I urge all our female participants to stay committed to the study of chemistry, as it is a discipline that holds immense potential for the future.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Nwinee, the Coordinator of Women in Chemistry and host of the event in her welcome address appreciated the sponsors and advocates of STEM Education for girls in Nigeria.
Dr. Nwinee while speaking to the participants expressed her profound gratitude to the sponsors of the event including Petroleum Training Institute, Aradel Holdings Plc, MicCom Cables and Wires, Edo Refinery & Petrochemicals Company and Pinefon Empowerment Initiative for their immense contributions towards the successful hosting of the program.
Speaking further she said, “Our goal is to promote STEM education in Nigeria, celebrate women and girls in science, serve our communities and enhance the contributions of women to societal development. We must continue to encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM, as it plays a critical role in the advancement of modern society.”
Tamunotonye Biambo, Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Section 104, Warri and the Co-Host of the event delivered a speech titled, “Addressing the Gaps in Retaining Women and Girls in STEM.” He emphasized the need for continuous collaboration and pledged to use his position as the Chairman of SPE Warri Section to advocate for policies that will encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.
Abimbola Olujide, Lead Government Affairs Advisor, Policy Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited who delivered the keynote address tagged, “Accelerating Equity in Science,” applauded the Women in Chemistry for their resilience in breaking barriers and fostering STEM education in Nigeria. He reiterated that women have proven their capacity in every field of engineering and science.
A major highlight of the event was the Chemistry Quiz Competition for Female Science Students from 14 secondary schools around Warri and its environs. The quiz competition was moderated by Mr. Chukwuma Ebinum, a renowned chemistry teacher in Delta State.
At the end of the keenly contested quiz, Ebrumede Secondary School emerged as the winner, followed by Delta Careers College in second place and Iteregbi Secondary School in third place.
Prof. (Mrs.) Mary Edema, former Provost of the College of Education, Warri, and a lecturer at the Chemistry Department, FUPRE, along with Dr. (Mrs.) Tina O. Isichei, Director, Research and Development, PTI, presented the prizes to the winners of the quiz competition. Other consolation prizes given to all the contestants includes, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics textbooks.
The victorious students, Miss Edirin Favour and Igbuwe Emamezi Marvelous, who represented Ebrumede Secondary School, expressed their gratitude to God and their Chemistry Teacher, Mrs. Blessing Ojochenemi Emiovwoo whom they acknowledged had guided them through rigorous learning and mentorship.
The event ended on a high note with a renewed commitment to advancing women’s participation in STEM, ensuring that more young girls embrace the study of STEM Courses to enable them innovate and contribute meaningfully towards the technological advancement of Nigeria.
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