News

Empower Girl-Child in STEM Education – Women Engineers To Nigerian Government

Published

8 months ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has called on the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to empower Girl-Child in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the country.

Dr Adebisi Osim, the National President of APWEN, made the call in Bauchi on Sunday, during the 2025 APWEN, Bauchi state chapter’s public lectures and inauguration of new executives.

According to her, when a girl child is empowered in STEM, the country would not only be creating an engineer or a scientist, but also creating a problem solver and an innovator who might design drought-resistant crops to solve food insecurity.

Represented Engr. Esther Ago, the North Central Coordinator of APWEN, Osim said that this Girl-Child would develop sustainable water purification systems for the rural communities, build intelligent systems to manage traffic in the growing cities among others.

“We live in a world shaped by technology. From the smartphones in our hands to the complex infrastructure that powers our cities, STEM is the language of the future.

“To exclude women from this conversation is to silence half of the world’s intellect, creativity, and problem-solving potential. It is to fly a plane with only one wing.

“To our leaders and policymakers, we urge you to continue to champion policies that make STEM education accessible, attractive to girls, invest in laboratories, sponsor scholarships, and celebrate female tech champions,” she said.

“Empowering the girl child in STEM is not a charitable act, it’s a strategic imperative for Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic prosperity. It is the surest path to building a future that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable,” she said.

Earlier speaking, Engr. Mercy Asabe, immediate past Chairperson, APWEN Bauchi, said the lectures would provide valuable opportunities for them to engage with important ideas, spark meaningful discussions, and foster a deeper understanding of STEM and Artificial Intelligence.

“I am confident that the insights shared today will inspire, educate and challenge us to think critically on global issues,” she said.

Engr. Jamila Adamu, the newly elected Chairperson, APWEN Bauchi chapter who spoke on behalf of others, said their mission was to inspire and mentor the girl-child to embrace STEM.

She added that they would show them that engineering was not a field reserved for men alone, but a platform where women could thrive, innovate, and lead.

“Our mission is also to strengthen professional support for women engineers, ensuring that our members have the opportunities, training, and networks to excel in their careers.

“It’s also to collaborate with government, academia, and industry, building partnerships that will break barriers, create opportunities, and drive sustainable development,” she said.

Adamu affirmed that APWEN Bauchi Chapter remained committed to being a catalyst for change, promising to reach schools, engage communities, mentor, empower girls with the confidence to dream, and lead by example.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.