• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

The Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), Delta Chapter, has emphasised that strengthening local capacity in science and technology is critical to reducing Nigeria's dependence on foreign technologies and driving economic and industrial growth. The group made the call weekend during a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) advocacy outreach to students of Ogbe Secondary School, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women's Day (IWD). The programme was organised in collaboration with Women in Chemistry (WIC), Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta Chapter, with both delegations led by the Chairperson of WEOG Delta Chapter, Dr Sarah A. Nwinee. Organisers explained that the outreach formed the first segment of the group's International Women's Day activities and was aimed at inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM fields considered vital for innovation, industrial productivity and national economic development. During an interactive session with the students, members of WEOG and WIC stressed the importance of discipline, consistency, focus and respect as key values required for academic success and future professional growth. They noted that interest in STEM-related subjects would help equip the younger generation with the technical skills needed to drive innovation, technological advancement and industrial expansion in Nigeria. Speaking during the session, Dr Nwinee highlighted the urgent need for young innovators capable of developing home-grown solutions to Nigeria's technological and industrial challenges. "Strengthening local capacity in science and technology is essential for reducing dependence on foreign technologies and for advancing sustainable national development," she said. Also addressing the students, the Coordinator of Women in Chemistry, CSN Delta Chapter, Dr Christiana Ogwuche, urged them to remain dedicated to their studies and cultivate curiosity in scientific inquiry. She encouraged the students to see themselves as future contributors to Nigeria's development in science, energy and technology-driven industries. Following the interactive engagement, members of the delegation toured the school's science laboratories and observed the need for improved infrastructure to enhance the teaching and learning environment for science education. The team noted that strengthening laboratory facilities would help students develop practical scientific skills, experimentation capabilities and problem-solving abilities necessary for building a strong pipeline of future scientists, engineers and technology professionals. The outreach also provided students with the opportunity to interact with professionals from diverse science and energy backgrounds, offering insights into career opportunities within the science, energy and industrial sectors. Meanwhile, during an interactive webinar moderated by Dr Ebinimi Nickson Boms of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Training Institute, the National President of WEOG, Mrs Tolu Longe, encouraged women to support and mentor younger generations. "As women, our legacies and success will be greatly celebrated if we each mentor and sponsor at least five young people, whether male or female. The world will be a better place because those young people will in turn mentor others and have a clearer roadmap to navigate life," she said. Speaking on the 2026 International Women's Day theme, "Give to Gain: Rethinking Growth Through Giving," Dr Nwinee described it as a call for greater collaboration, mentorship and knowledge-sharing among women. According to her, supporting women's advancement through mentorship, advocacy and access to resources will help create a more inclusive ecosystem capable of nurturing innovation and sustainable economic development. Also speaking during a fireside chat at the webinar, the President of the Global Innovation Institute (GINI), Engineer Betty Ugona, urged women to contribute positively in whatever capacity they find themselves. She explained that the principle of "give to gain" promotes knowledge sharing, which expands collective intelligence and supports sustainable innovation across industries. "When we women give, we do not shrink; rather, we expand," she said, urging participants to empower and support others. Source: https://thenewsguru.ng/news/iwd-2026-weog-promotes-stem-as-catalyst-for-nigerias-economic-industrial-growth/