Benin City: A senior lecturer and head of department of petroleum engineering, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Engr Perpetual Oby Obeta, has emerged as the 7th chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Benin chapter.

Obeta, alongside other executive members, were sworn in, weekend, in Benin City, by the national president of APWEN, Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe.

In her acceptance speech, Engr. Obeta said her inauguration was not just a personal milestone, but a call to serve diligently and to advance the noble vision and mission which define the great values of the association.

She reiterated her exco’s resolves to work within the confines of the established templates for the advancement of the interest of women in the engineering profession in line with global changing dynamics.

She promised to work closely with her exco and other stakeholders, create greater awareness about engineering as a career for girls, in addition to promoting the profession as a positive force towards enhancing the quality of life of any given society.

“These are not just words, but a mandate to empower, to inspire and to transform the society with engineering proficiency” she said.

The new APWEN chairman assured that her administration would be anchored on strengthening capacity, expanding its reach and deepening impact with collaboration, accountability and transparency, insisting that the Benin chapter of the association is known for its uniqueness in the pursuits of progressive policies and programmes for societal development.

Obeta, promised to embark on capacity building as a framework to achieving her blueprints within two years, just as she solicited the cooperation and understanding of her executive and members to enable her succeed in her task.

She particularly promised to prioritise the welfare of members which remains a benchmark of an organised public administration.

She extolled the virtues of the electoral committee members in ensuring what was regarded as the freest, fairest and most credible election which saw her emergence as the 7th chairman of the Benin chapter.

Earlier in her remarks, the national president of APWEN, Engr Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe FNSE, congratulated the newly sworn in chairman and her exco, on their victories recorded in the just conducted election.

She said that the theme of the inauguration “Engineering Resilient Infrastructure Through Technical Excellence and Gender-Inclusive Leadership” was intellectually rooted and anchored on the vision and mission of APWEN.

She added that the inauguration was more than a ceremonial transition of leadership, pointing out that it is a reaffirmation of shared commitment to service, professional excellence and the advancement of women in engineering.

She advised the chairman to lead with vision, humility, courage and teamwork, insisting leadership is not a “one-man show” as it is a collective responsibility to pursue impactful activities, which will promote the chapter and the society.

The national president also advised the chairman to build a united executive team where every member will be valued, engaged and empowered to contribute meaningfully, just as she had made a case for open communication, strategic planning, accountability and transparency as well as mutual respect.

Describing Edo as a hub for culture, Nnenna Igwegbe commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for creating a conducive atmosphere for security and infrastructural developments to thrive in the state.

Other members of the newly inaugurated Benin APWEN exco include Rev. Engr. Osamede Oseghale, vice chairman, Engr. Izegbua Iyalekhue, Secretary General, Engr. Ufumwen Asemota, Treasurer and Engr. Osamwonyi Gladys Onyinye, Financial Secretary.

Others are Ekponanatei Mirabel Akeke, Assistant Financial Secretary, Engr. Omhare Comfort Ilukho, Publicity Secretary, Engr. Janet Odemerho, Asst. Publicity Secretary and Aguebor Owenosa Favour, Asst. Secretary General.

Also, Engr. Dr. Joy Nneka Ayidu, emerged as the Technical Secretary, Engr Mrs. Peggy Ohikhare, Media/Internet Coordinator, Engr. Angela Ogeyemhe, Ex-officio 1, Engr. Prof. Mrs Patience Orukpe, Ex-officio 11, Engr. Dr. Mrs MaryAnn Ezugwu, staff coordinator, Igbinedion University, Okada chapter, Engr. Dr. Mrs Onimi Ashama, staff coordinator, Uniben chapter and Engr. Ms. Patricia Ogboabuokon staff coordinator, Edo University, Iyamho chapter respectively.