APWEN Bayelsa State Chapter Urges Women and Girls to Embrace Opportunities in Science and Technology

Women and girls have been encouraged to seize the growing opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as the innovative potential of the girl-child continues to expand. 
This call to action was made at the maiden edition of the Engineer Olice D. Kemenanabo STEM Quiz Competition and Award Ceremony, organized by the Bayelsa State chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), in partnership with The Techie Girl Initiative, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Themed “Breaking Barriers: The Transformative Impact of Women in Traditional Male-Dominated Fields. 
 
 The event spotlighted the critical role of STEM education in driving innovation.
 Speakers underscored the need for women to tap into their capabilities, and create and expand opportunities in any field they choose.

Engr. Diepreye Owana-Omubo, Chairman of APWEN Bayelsa State Chapter, and Engr. Ifiemi Tulagha, founder and president of The Techie Girl Initiative, expressed concern over the low representation of women in STEM.
 They called on women and girls to challenge this status quo and pursue careers in science and technology.
“The Techie Girl Initiative is committed to guiding young girls into STEM by leveraging music, sports, and the arts to foster emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking,” Engr. Tulagha explained.

 She highlighted that increasing the number of women in STEM promotes innovation and brings diverse perspectives, which are key to effective problem-solving in the field.

Engr. Owana-Omubo echoed this sentiment, noting that the group has reached out to rural communities to ignite young girls’ interest in STEM subjects. “We need more women in STEM,” she said. “It’s a male-dominated field, but girls have immense potential.”

The benefactor of the quiz competition and Scholarship award, Engr. Olice D. Kemenanabo, Chairman of the event, Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, and keynote speaker, Dr Erewari Ukoha-Onuoha—emphasised the importance of the Girl-Child, noting that women have continued to contribute to the advancement of Technology in various areas.

In a show of support, Governor Douye Diri announced that the state government would sponsor the first 18 girls benefiting from the Engineer Olice D. Kemenanabo STEM Quiz Competition scholarships, along with an additional 18 from across Bayelsa’s three senatorial districts.

The highlights of the event were the launch of the Olice D. Kemenanabo STEM Quiz Competition and Awards, as well as lectures and the presentation of awards to quiz competition winners and outstanding women engineers in the Chapter. 

Erebi Rejoice from Government Model Secondary School Sagbama came first place, while Igbogi Godstime from Nembe National Grammar School and Mercy Aranye Rueben from St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, secured second and third places, respectively. 

Governor Diri also presented a special award to Engineer Olice D. Kemenanabo in recognition of his contributions to the development of STEM education in Bayelsa State.