LSMTL BOSS BAGS LEGACY AWARD AT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
As APWEN Lagos Zone Celebrates Women Engineers Leading Beyond the Blueprint
The General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul has been honoured with a Legacy Award at the 2026 International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebration organised by the Association of Professional Women
Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Zone.
The award was coordinated as part of the 2026 INWED celebrations, themed “Engineering Intelligence: Leading Beyond the Blueprint, Building Legacies”, at an event held in the Public Works Yard, Ojodu-Berger on Thursday, 25th June, in recognition of Engr. Abdul’s exemplary engineering achievements over the years and her commitment to building intelligence, as well as creating pathways for others to follow in the profession.
Speaking at the event, the APWEN National President, Engr. Chinyere Igwegbe (FNSE), who was represented by the Vice-President of the Association, Engr. Laolu Adedapo-Aishida, underscored the importance of APWEN to young engineers and highlighted the relevance of the theme for this Year’s celebration.
She expressed profound appreciation for Engr. Abdul’s contributions over two decades as a Member of the Association, applauding her efforts to bring young minds into the Association, in exuding excellence in a male-dominated profession, for deliveries that are at par with international best Engineering Practice.
In her address, the Guest Speaker, Engr. Yetunde Holloway (MNSE) described engineering as a design that prioritises people’s safety and fosters a legacy of continuity.
She averred that future legacy combines technical excellence, ethics in engineering practice, risk management, artificial intelligence, innovation, analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and fosters collaboration. “Most impactful Engineering practices not only consider technical competence, but one that takes people along the line intelligently,” she said.
Engr. Holloway described the modern Engineer as a Designer, Strategist, System thinker, Collaborator and Change leader, adding that Engineering looks at the past, present, and the future, with a view to making projects better than the way they were before receiving the Award from the Vice-Chairman of the Lagos Chapter, Engr. Zansi Adebowale, Engr. Olayinka Abdul said, “When I was informed of this recognition, I was truly speechless. To be acknowledged by an Association that represents the very best of our Profession; women who have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and continue to pave the way for the next generation of female Engineers, is an honour that I do not take lightly.”
At the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), we have remained steadfast in our commitment to one singular mission: ensuring that every structure erected in Lagos State is built on a foundation of Safety, Quality, and Integrity. As I have often said, the strength and integrity of our buildings rely not only on skilled labour but also on the quality of materials used.
In a state with a rapidly growing population and the constant challenge of urbanisation, our work is not just a regulatory function; it is a sacred duty to protect lives and property”, she added.
Engr. Abdul highlighted the Agency’s achievements under her Leadership, noting that her team has worked tirelessly to streamline regulatory processes, introduce technology-driven solutions such as the web registration portal to automate data capture and reduce manual errors, and collaborate with sister Agencies and Industry Stakeholders to ensure that the Lagos Built Environment remains resilient and sustainable.
“We have championed the fight against mediocrity because we understand that cutting corners in Construction is not just an infraction; it is a potential disaster waiting to happen”, she said.
Reflecting on the Legacy Builder Award, she remarked: “As I reflect on this Legacy Builder award, I ask myself: What does it truly mean to build a legacy? For me, it is not about the titles we hold or the accolades we receive.“
“Legacy is about the impact we leave behind. It is about the systems we put in place that will outlive us. It is about the younger Engineers. I have always loved to become an Engineer as a little girl, hence, I want to encourage young women whom we mentor and inspire to take up space in this Profession. It is about ensuring that the work we do today will make Lagos a safer, stronger, and more sustainable city for generations to come”, she enthused.
Still speaking, Engr. Abdul charged young girls: “To every young girl who dreams of becoming an Engineer, I say: do not let anyone tell you that Engineering is a man’s world. We have proven that women can and will lead in this field.”
The General Manager extended her gratitude to the leadership and members of APWEN and also commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for providing an enabling environment for public service.
The International Women in Engineering Day celebration is organised annually by APWEN to serve as a platform for recognition of the contributions of women engineers to inspire the next generation of female professionals in the field.
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