By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
The Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), Delta Chapter, on Friday advocated strengthening local capacity in science and technology as a key step towards reducing dependence on foreign technologies and advancing sustainable national development.
The group made the call during a STEM advocacy outreach to Ogbe Secondary School, Effurun, organised in collaboration with Women in Chemistry (WIC), Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta Chapter, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
Both teams were led by the Chairperson of WEOG Delta Chapter, Dr Sarah A. Nwinee.
The outreach was aimed at inspiring students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) while promoting academic discipline and interest in science-based professions.
The advocacy outreach formed the first segment of the 2026 International Women’s Day activities and was designed to engage students directly and stimulate their interest in careers that can contribute to national development.
During an interactive session with the students, members of WEOG and WIC emphasised the importance of discipline, consistency, focus and respect as foundational values necessary for academic success and future career growth.
Students were also encouraged to cultivate a strong interest in STEM-related subjects, described as critical drivers of innovation and industrial development.
Speaking during the session, Dr Nwinee highlighted the urgent need for young thinkers and innovators capable of developing home-grown solutions to Nigeria’s technological and industrial challenges.
She said, “Strengthening local capacity in science and technology is essential for reducing dependence on foreign technologies and for advancing sustainable national development.”
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Women in Chemistry, CSN Delta Chapter, Dr Christiana Ogwuche, urged the students to remain committed to their studies and develop curiosity in scientific inquiry.
She encouraged them to see themselves as potential contributors to Nigeria’s future in science, energy and technology.
Following the interactive session, members of the delegation toured the school’s science laboratories and observed that the facilities required improved infrastructure to enhance the learning environment for science education.
The team noted that strengthening laboratory facilities is critical in helping students develop practical scientific skills, experimentation capabilities and problem-solving abilities necessary for building a strong pipeline of future scientists and engineers.
The outreach also exposed the students to professionals from diverse science and energy backgrounds, giving them valuable insight into potential career pathways within the sciences.
Meanwhile, during an interactive webinar session 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 mentor and support younger people.
She said, “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 mentor others and have a better roadmap to navigate the world.”
Speaking on the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, *Give to Gain: Rethinking Growth Through Giving*, Dr Nwinee described the theme as a call to action for greater generosity, solidarity and collaboration among women.
She noted that supporting women’s advancement through mentorship, knowledge sharing, advocacy and resources would help build a more inclusive and supportive society.
Also speaking during a fireside chat at the webinar, the President of the Global Innovation Institute (GINI), Engineer Betty Ugona, urged women to give in whatever capacity they find themselves.
According to her, the principle of “give to gain” encourages knowledge sharing, which expands collective intelligence and supports sustainable innovation.
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