By Taiye Olayemi
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, on Friday organised a free STEM holiday camp for girls in Makoko community.
The initiative, held in honour of Dr Felicia Agubata, a past president of the association, aimed to inspire girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Speaking at the event, APWEN Lagos Chairman, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, said the camp was designed to nurture curiosity and encourage early engagement with STEM subjects among young girls.
She explained that the camp also marked World Humanitarian Day, serving as a platform for APWEN to give back by empowering future female innovators and problem solvers.
“The focus is on girls aged six to twelve, a crucial stage where curiosity is high and proper guidance can ignite a lifelong passion,” Owolabi said.
Through fun experiments, STEM games, drawing and quiz competitions, the holiday camp sought to build enthusiasm and endear the participants to science and engineering.
Owolabi stressed that science and technology were vital tools for nation-building and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ensuring no girl was excluded from STEM education.
She urged government, the private sector, community leaders and families to collaborate in supporting girl-child education and empowerment, stressing the need for collective responsibility.
Owolabi also commended APWEN partners, volunteers and the STEM Committee for their efforts, encouraging the girls to remain bold, curious and confident in pursuing their dreams.
In her remarks, Dr Agubata encouraged the girls to stay determined in their studies, noting that her rural upbringing in Anambra never hindered her growth.
She said that rural life should not be seen as a barrier and emphasised that faith in God and commitment to learning could unlock success.
According to her, education enabled her to travel the world and achieve financial independence, proving that discipline and perseverance remain vital tools for advancement.
Agubata urged the girls to cultivate obedience, honesty, respect and strong character, while prioritising education as the gateway to exceeding their expectations and achieving greatness.
She further described STEM as a driver of economic growth and advised the participants not to allow environmental circumstances to limit their ambitions.
In a remarkable gesture, Agubata awarded a scholarship to Miss Adijat Ajeigbe, an out-of-school girl, covering her education from primary to university level.
Ajeigbe, recently bereaved and with a deaf and dumb mother, said the scholarship rekindled her hope and renewed her determination to pursue her dreams.
Mrs Gbemisola Lanre-Shobona guided the children through basic engineering concepts, demonstrating a volcano eruption experiment using vinegar and baking soda, alongside lessons in electronics and magnetism.
The event also featured career talks, STEM games, fun experiments, drawing contests, scholarships for disadvantaged girls, and other activities designed to spark interest in engineering.
Commending the initiative, Chief Akeem Adeshina, Baale of Makoko, praised APWEN for bringing the camp to the community and pledged support in guiding children towards engineering.
He described the Makoko people as transparent and peaceful, while welcoming continued collaboration with APWEN for the empowerment of the community’s younger generation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)