Oyo Acting Gov Calls for Innovation in Engineering to Boost Manufacturing
The Oyo State Acting Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has emphasized the importance of harnessing innovation in engineering to drive manufacturing growth and development in Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 International Conference Exhibition & Annual General Meeting of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) in Ibadan, Barr. Lawal noted that engineering ingenuity is crucial for sustainable industrial growth.
The conference theme, “Revitalizing Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector through Innovative Engineering Solutions,” challenges participants to reimagine industries, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and embrace new ideas to transform Nigeria into a hub of productivity.
The Acting Governor stated that the current administration is aligned with this vision, prioritizing innovation, inclusivity, and technical education as the pillars upon which it can rebuild not only Oyo State’s economy but also contribute to Nigeria’s manufacturing revival under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
He said: “Here in Oyo State, we are already demonstrating how this theme can be put into practice:
• By expanding access to technical and vocational education, we are producing graduates ready to apply engineering knowledge directly to industry.
•Through strategic infrastructure investments, we are creating an enabling environment where manufacturing can thrive.
• By supporting STEM initiatives for young girls, we are widening the pool of future innovators who will bring fresh solutions to Nigeria’s industrial sector.
• Our flagship Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub is a practical model of innovation — where agriculture, processing, and manufacturing are being integrated through modern engineering solutions to create jobs, add value to raw produce, and boost food security.
• Recently, our administration concluded the AfCFTA Sub-National Strategy, positioning Oyo State to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area by boosting industrial competitiveness, facilitating cross-border trade, and creating manufacturing opportunities that align directly with the spirit of this conference theme.
“Most importantly, our partnership with engineering bodies such as APWEN has been instrumental in shaping policies, mentoring the next generation of female engineers, and driving community-based innovation. These collaborations ensure that the skills and expertise of engineers are directly connected to the industrial and economic agenda of Oyo State.
To truly realize the message of this theme, our administration will:
“Deepen collaborations with APWEN and other professional engineering bodies to turn innovative ideas into practical policies that support manufacturing.
• Invest in modern research and development facilities within our tertiary institutions, ensuring that innovation directly feeds into industry.
• Promote inclusive engineering leadership, ensuring women engineers play central roles in Nigeria’s manufacturing transformation.
Barr. Lawal however commended APWEN for choosing such a forward-looking theme saying, “It is both a challenge and a roadmap.”
According to him; “It compels us to ask: how do we harness the creativity of our engineers to power machines, design smarter systems, and unlock new opportunities in manufacturing?
“To our young engineers, especially the women among you, this theme is your call to action. The future of Nigeria’s manufacturing rests in your hands. Your ideas, your resilience, and your courage to innovate will determine how far we go as a nation.
“I assure you that our administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for the ideals of this theme — “Revitalizing Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector through Innovative Engineering Solutions” — to become a reality.
“Together, let us build a Nigeria where engineering innovation drives industrial strength, where manufacturing creates prosperity, and where every citizen enjoys the benefits of sustainable development.
Once again, I welcome you all to Ibadan and wish you fruitful deliberations.”
The event, which featured several keynote speakers, including Professor Abdulsalam Naeem, Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd, and other industry captains, had in attendance the wife of Oyo State Governor, Chief Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, who was the special guest of honor.