In a remarkable display of talent and innovation, Ifeoma Lucy Ugwuanyi, a Petroleum Engineering student from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), emerged as the overall winner of the Pinefon Innovation Challenge SHE CAN 3.0, held on March 6, coincidentally her birthday.
Her winning presentation, titled “Drilling Fluid Formulation for High Pressure and High Temperature Wells,” outshone her peers in a highly competitive environment at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun,Uvwie local government area of Delta State.
She triumphed over two notable finalists: Chukwuka Chioma Favour, who investigated PAHs, lead, zinc, and cadmium in crude-oil-contaminated water, and Elizabeth Onome Anthony, whose research focused on developing green nanoparticles for scale inhibition and removal.
In her acceptance speech, Lucy expressed gratitude to God, her lecturers, and her parents, celebrating her victory on such a special day.
Chief Judge Prof. Kenneth Ibe commended the founder of Pinefon Empowerment Initiative, Mrs. Mfon Otite Douglas, for her relentless commitment to empowering young women and nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders.
The event included goodwill messages from partner organizations and a presentation by NDLEA representative Adeosun Olabisi on the dangers of drug abuse.
The Pinefon Innovation Challenge, organized by the Pinefon Empowerment Initiative in collaboration with various partners, including the Rotary Clubs of Edjeba and Uvwie Renaissance, and Orchid Empowerment Initiative, showcased exceptional academic diligence among the finalists.
founder of Pinefon Empowerment Initiative, Mrs. Mfon Otite Douglas emphasized that the foundation aims to empower women and girls, fostering their self-reliance and societal contribution.
She disclosed that registration for the upcoming SHE CAN 4.0 edition is now open, inviting all female tertiary institution students in Delta State to apply.
Lucy’s victory came with a cash prize of N300,000, while her fellow finalists received accolades for their innovative projects.
The Pinefon Empowerment Initiative further distributed food items and gifts to participants, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting young women in STEM fields.(Actualnewsng.com)