The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria has stated that the future of engineering lies with professionals who can integrate technical expertise with modern tools, digital solutions, and strategic thinking.

The association stressed that technical excellence must remain the defining standard of the profession.

National President of APWEN, Engr. Chinyere Nnenna, said achieving professional excellence requires competence, innovation, ethical conduct, continuous learning, and strict adherence to established standards.

Nnenna made the remarks during the inauguration of Engr. Perpetual Oby Obeta as the 7th Chairman of the Benin City chapter of APWEN.

She emphasised that infrastructure remains the backbone of any thriving economy, noting that digital systems will increasingly shape the quality of life of citizens.

Represented by Cordelia Ochuole Omoyi, the APWEN president called for renewed commitment to the founding ideals of the association.

She charged the new leadership to build on the achievements of predecessors, strengthen the chapter, and deliver measurable impact within Benin City, Edo State, and beyond.

“Today’s theme, “Engineering Resilient Infrastructure Through Technical Excellence & Gender-Inclusive Leadership, is timely and significant. 

“Resilient infrastructure goes beyond physical structures. It means systems that can withstand economic pressures, climate challenges, population growth, and emerging technological 

demands. 

“As engineers, technical excellence must remain our hallmark. Excellence requires competence, innovation, ethics, continuous learning, and adherence to standards.

“It means delivering projects that are safe, sustainable, durable, and fit for purpose. The future belongs to professionals who are prepared to combine engineering knowledge with modern tools, digital solutions, and strategic thinking.”

Guest speaker of the occasion, Valarie Ifueko Agberagba, said  they have to make engineering excellence a brand. 

“We can’t afford to lower our standard. Gender inclusive leadership – intentionally bringing women and gender-diverse experts into decision-making roles, which research shows leads to more long-term risk assessment, community-focused design, and equitable resource allocation.

“We recognize that diverse teams build more resilient solutions. When you include women, youth, and men in your decision-making, you are gathering more “data points.” If one gender’s logic fails or hits a “blind spot,” another gender’s perspective “saves” the decision. A room full of people who think exactly the same way will all have the same “blind spot,” she added.

Speaking after her investiture as Chairman of APWEN, Perpetual Oby Obeta. 

In her address, Dr. Perpetual Oby Obeta, said the vision of APWEN was for advancement of women in the engineering profession towards national and global technological development.

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