PTI boss lauds women in engineering as Institute hosts 2025 IUPAC global women breakfast
By Oluwayemi Davidson, Warri
The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State,
Engr Dr Samuel Onoji, has lauded the efforts of women globally for the marvelous achievements they have recorded in discoveries in engineering, particularly Chemistry.
Onoji, represented by the PTI Director of Engineering, Dr. Ahmed Adamu, gave the kudos in an address as the special guest of honour at the opening of the 2025 edition of the annual International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry global women breakfast retreat of Women in Chemistry held in the Institute's Lecture theatre on Tuesday.
Organized by Women in Chemistry, CSN Delta State Chapter in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Section 104, Warri, the event tagged “Accelerating Equity in Science,” was marked by a grand gathering of distinguished professionals, scholars and students, with virtual audience participating via Zoom.
The PTI Principal and Chief Executive Officer in his address expressed delight over the growing role of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), noting that "women are no longer seeking quotas but are competing on merit and competence".
He said, "The contributions of women in Chemistry and Engineering are undeniable. Today, women are making remarkable discoveries and innovations that are transforming 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".
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta State Chapter, Mr Koida Owate, maintained that women are presently doing well in the various fields of Engineering.
According to him, he is "particularly happy to see young girls being nurtured in the study of Chemistry today for them to face a better future tomorrow".
He spoke further, "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.
Aradel Holdings, represented by Mrs. Rita Olarewaju, the General Manager, Human Resources & Corporate Services, in their Sponsor’s remarks, noted however that "despite women’s striking contributions to science and technology, they remain underrepresented in the workforce".
She therefore called for sustained efforts to bridge this gap in science and technology.
Mrs. Bukola Adubi, the CEO of MicCom Cables & Wires Ltd who is also the President, Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, in her goodwill message emphasized the "need to actively promote STEM education for girls and share the success stories of female scientists.”
In this regard, Adubi called for "more collaboration among stakeholders to foster the study of STEM courses which, in the long run, will truly accelerate gender equity in education".
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" and emphasized the need for continuous collaboration.
He 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 reiterating 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 lecturer at the Chemistry Department, FUPRE alongside Dr. (Mrs.) Tina O. Isichei, Director, Research and Development, PTI, presented prizes to the winners of the quiz competition while consolation prizes were also given to all the contestants in 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.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Coordinator, Women in Chemistry, main host of the event, Dr. (Mrs) Sarah Nwinee, thanked all the sponsors of the programme for their collaborative efforts which she noted had yielded so much in putting the event together.
She specifically appreciated the PTI, Edo Petroleum, Oradel Management, Miccom and Pinefon, among others, for their invaluable contributions.
Nwinee 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."
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