APWEN Awards Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike; A Moment of Honour and Inspiration

On the bright morning of 14th August, 2025, the Science Technical and Vocational Centre at Independence Layout, Enugu, came alive with elegance, brilliance and a spirit of celebration. The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) had gathered for a landmark occasion, their 1st Coal City Colloquium and the grand 20th Anniversary/Annual General Meeting. The air was filled with an atmosphere of purpose, anchored by the powerful theme: “Innovating for Impact: Women in Engineering Leading the Way to a Better World.”

Among the day’s most remarkable moments was the presentation of a prestigious award to Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, Founding Director of CIDJAP, a visionary leader, scholar and champion of human development. Although Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike was not physically present, his spirit and values radiated in the hall as Dr. Mrs. Ebele Odinachi, CIDJAP’s Director of Projects, gracefully stepped forward to receive the award on his behalf.

Her presence was met with warm applause as she approached the stage, her face lit with gratitude. In her acceptance speech, she spoke with conviction, painting a portrait of Msgr. Obiora Ike as a man whose lifelong commitment to education, innovation and social impact mirrors APWEN’s mission. Her words carried the weight of sincerity, a reminder that true leadership is measured not by titles, but by the lives transformed.

She assured the distinguished audience that the award would be placed in the hands of the Founding Director of CIDJAP himself, not merely as a token of recognition, but as a symbol of shared vision, a vision where engineering, leadership and humanity walk hand in hand toward a better world. Her speech drew nods of agreement and even a few misty eyes in the audience, as she urged the association to continue leading with courage, intelligence and compassion.

The hall resonated with applause, not just for the recipient, but for the unity of purpose reflected in the event. It was more than an award ceremony; it was a bridge connecting engineering excellence with moral leadership and the fact that innovation reaches its highest purpose when it serves humanity. APWEN’s celebration became more than a milestone for women in engineering it became a chapter in a shared story of impact, where leaders like Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike inspire generations to innovate, lead and build a better world for all.