APWEN Bayelsa Emerges First Among 48 Chapters, Obuebite Hails Teamwork
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsa State Chapter, has emerged the overall first among 48 chapters in the 2025/2026 Group Dynamics Competition, a feat its immediate past Chairman, Engr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, described as a historic milestone.
Obuebite, Ph.D, FNSE, FNIPetE, said the achievement was a testament to the commitment, teamwork, sacrifice, innovation and determination of members of the Bayelsa chapter.
She spoke on Monday while reacting to the award presented to APWEN Bayelsa by the National President of the association, Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe, FNSE.
The former chairman recalled that the Bayelsa chapter had placed third in the 2024/2025 competition before rising to the top position in the 2025/2026 edition.
She described the progression as a significant achievement and a fitting reflection of the collective efforts of members of the chapter.
Obuebite also announced the emergence of Engr. Dr. Joyce Odu Okafor, MNSE, as the new Chairman of APWEN Bayelsa, who will lead the association’s fifth Executive Committee in the state.
She further disclosed her emergence as the National Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NIPetE).
Reflecting on her tenure as APWEN Bayelsa chairman, Obuebite expressed appreciation to her husband, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, Ph.D, whom she described as a dependable partner and a source of support throughout her leadership journey.
She also dedicated the award to him and the memory of the late patron of APWEN Bayelsa, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D.
She thanked her children for their understanding and sacrifices, noting that they endured her demanding schedules, meetings, programmes, travels and other commitments associated with leading the chapter.
Obuebite equally commended members of APWEN Bayelsa, particularly its collegiate members, for their enthusiasm, participation and commitment.
According to her, the collegiate members demonstrated that the future of engineering is in capable hands, adding that their contribution was an important part of the chapter’s success.
She also praised members of the Executive Committee for supporting her vision and working collectively to advance the association.
“Leadership is never a one-person assignment, and I am grateful that I had a team that stood together to serve,” she said.
On the transition of leadership, Obuebite described the award as a fitting conclusion to her tenure, saying she was leaving office with gratitude, accomplishments and cherished memories.
“I came into office with a vision. I leave with gratitude. I came with dreams. I leave with accomplishments and memories. I came to serve. I leave proudly knowing that together, we made an impact,” she said.
She stressed that the award was not a celebration of an individual but of the collective efforts of APWEN Bayelsa members.
“This award is not a celebration of one person. It is a celebration of a team, a family and a chapter that believed that we could do more,” she added.
Obuebite urged members of APWEN Bayelsa to support the new chairman and the fifth Executive Committee, calling on them to work together to sustain and build on the achievements of the chapter.
“We did not just participate. We did not just compete. We made history. To God be all the glory,” she said.
She added: “Proud to have served. Grateful to have led. Humbled to have made history.”
