Rachel Adebowale Takes Top Prize at Pinefon Innovation Challenge
By Wilson Macaulay Effurun, Delta State
Miss Adebowale Adenike Rachel, a student of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 Pinefon Innovation Challenge tagged SHE CAN 2.0.
The competition, organized by the Pinefon Empowerment Initiative, is designed to nurture and inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders, with a particular focus on empowering the girl child.
The event, which took place at PTI, showcased the remarkable talents and ingenuity of young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Miss Adebowale clinched the top prize with her presentation titled: “Comparative Evaluation of Drilling Fluid Additives Formulated from Cow Bones, Palm Kernel Shaft, and Palm Kernel Husk.” Her innovative research impressed the panel of judges and earned her widespread recognition.
The panel of judges, led by Professor Kenneth Ibe of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, praised the initiative and the exceptional quality of the presentations. Speaking before announcing the winners, Prof. Ibe said:
“The SHE CAN initiative, under the leadership of Mrs. Mfon Otite-Douglas, is a superlative concept. It is designed to encourage the female gender, particularly the girl child, to explore their potential and contribute meaningfully their quota to society and the national building effort at large. I salute the courage and determination of all participants who have demonstrated that indeed SHE CAN.”
Dr. Yusuf, Assistant Director of the Environmental Management and Science Technology Department at PTI, as one of the judges also commended the contestants:
“It was a beautiful event, and all the participants performed excellently. Although there can only be one winner, each contestant displayed remarkable ingenuity and potential, and we are proud of their achievements.”
Miss Adebowale Adenike Rachel the first prize winner in her speech expressed her gratitude to God and the organizers for the opportunity. She said:
“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. This achievement proves that success in life is not determined by gender but by determination, passion, and hard work. My message to every girl out there is to embrace the spirit of SHE CAN, because with determination and perseverance, we can achieve our dreams.”
She also encouraged young women to continuously seek knowledge and think outside the box, noting that success is achievable with resilience and innovation.
Celebrating the Runners-Up
Miss Owe Abigail Okeoghene, the first runner-up from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at PTI, presented a research project titled “The Beneficiation Potential of Cow Bones and Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Shells as Additives on Local Clay for Mud Quality Improvement.” She shared her excitement and said:
“This initiative has helped me understand that my voice matters, and I can make a positive impact on my environment and community. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
Miss Tobore Akpevwe, the second runner-up, also from PTI, worked on “The Assessment of Heavy Metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Content of Soil from a Farm Near a Petrol Filling Station in Effurun.” She expressed her gratitude for the experience, saying:
“Despite my initial fears and anxiety, I am proud of my performance. This challenge has pushed me to believe in myself and strive for excellence.”
Pinefon’s Vision for STEM Leadership
Mrs. Mfon Otite-Douglas, Executive Director of the Pinefon Empowerment Initiative, in her speech elaborated on the program’s objectives in her welcome address:
“The Pinefon Innovation Challenge is a platform to celebrate and nurture tomorrow’s generation of STEM leaders. It was initiated to support young women in STEM, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and believe in their ability to achieve greatness. SHE CAN means that every girl has the power to achieve her goals if she is determined and focused.”
Mrs. Otite-Douglas also revealed that the program received entries from tertiary institutions across Delta State. After a rigorous selection process, 12 semi-finalists emerged, with each finalist receiving a ₦100,000 grant to kickstart their projects, mentors in their area of interest and internship in an ISO certified laboratory. The top three finalists competed for the grand prizes, with Miss Adebowale taking home ₦300,000, while the runners-up received ₦50,000 each.
A Celebration of Talent and Innovation, the Pinefon Innovation Challenge 2024, held at PTI, was not just a competition but a celebration of talent, determination, and the power of education to transform lives. The event has set the stage for the rise of future female STEM leaders, proving that with the right support and opportunities, the girl child can achieve remarkable feats.
Miss Adebowale’s victory is a testament to the fact that innovation and hard work transcend gender barriers. Her success, along with that of her fellow participants, underscores the vital role of initiatives like Pinefon in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for women in STEM.
