The General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, has been honoured with the 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 presented during the 2026 INWED celebration themed “Engineering Intelligence: Leading Beyond the Blueprint, Building Legacies,” held at the Public Works Yard, Ojodu-Berger, in recognition of Engr. Abdul’s outstanding contributions to engineering, leadership and mentorship.
The organisers said the award recognises her remarkable achievements in the engineering profession, commitment to innovation and dedication to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of female engineers.
Speaking at the event, APWEN National President, Engr. Chinyere Igwegbe, represented by the association’s Vice President, Engr. Laolu Adedapo-Aishida, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme and commended Engr. Abdul for more than two decades of dedicated service to the association.
She praised the LSMTL General Manager for encouraging young professionals to join the engineering profession and for consistently demonstrating excellence in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Engr. Yetunde Holloway described engineering as a profession that prioritises public safety while building a legacy of innovation and continuity.
According to her, modern engineering leadership requires technical excellence, ethics, risk management, artificial intelligence, innovation, analytical thinking, effective communication and collaboration.
She added that today’s engineer must function not only as a designer but also as a strategist, systems thinker, collaborator and change leader capable of developing solutions that improve society.
Receiving the award from APWEN Lagos Chapter Vice Chairman, Engr. Zansi Adebowale, Engr. Abdul expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a great honour to be celebrated by an association that continues to champion women in engineering.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory to ensuring that every building constructed in Lagos is founded on the principles of safety, quality and structural integrity.
According to her, the agency has remained focused on protecting lives and property by promoting the use of quality building materials and strengthening regulatory oversight in the state’s rapidly expanding built environment.
Engr. Abdul highlighted key achievements recorded under her leadership, including the introduction of a web-based registration portal to automate data collection, improve efficiency and reduce manual errors, as well as stronger collaboration with sister agencies and industry stakeholders to promote a safer and more sustainable construction sector.
She stressed that cutting corners in construction poses significant risks to lives and property, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to eliminating poor construction practices.
Reflecting on the significance of the Legacy Award, she said true legacy is measured not by titles or accolades but by the lasting impact created through strong institutions, effective systems and the empowerment of future generations.
She encouraged young women to pursue careers in engineering with confidence, insisting that the profession offers equal opportunities for women to lead and excel.
Engr. Abdul also expressed appreciation to APWEN, its members, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos State Government for creating an enabling environment that supports professional excellence and public service.
The International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated annually by APWEN to recognise the achievements of women engineers while inspiring more girls and young women to pursue careers in engineering and related fields.
