“We are in the knowledge economy and information is a factor of production; health information is therefore inevitable for optimum productivity, longevity and enduring career” was one of the striking pieces of advice pointed out at the first Public Lecture of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Ota chapter, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) held on Wednesday, 26 May 2021 at Bells University of Technology, Ota. The theme of the Programme was “Healthy Living and Library Science: The Pathway for Sustainable Engineering Professionalism.”
The APWEN Chairman, Ota Branch, Engr. Dr. Imhade Okokpujie stated in her comments that there is a need to understand the dynamics of healthy living and library science in order to enjoy the sustainable benefits of engineering concepts and practices. She said there are great opportunities in the engineering profession when information on sound health is critically put in place. The APWEN Chairman also pointed that the chapter is intentional about collaborating with corporate organizations to increase the awareness of girl-child education through community development programs within the locality.
The main Guest Speaker, Dr. Felicia Yusuf, the University Librarian, Bells University of Technology, in her speech asserted that good health is central to human happiness and wellbeing which significantly affect professional achievement; however lack of awareness of health information could be a major source of loss of health among professionals. The speaker triggered the minds of the audience on the topic “Healthy Living and Library Science: The Pathway for Sustainable Engineering Professionalism” that one of the major platforms available for accessing information in various formats tailored towards maintaining healthy living that will drive successful engineering professionalism is the library. She emphasized that Library serves as the hospital for the mind.
Another Guest Speaker, Dr. Omolola E. Omotosho, a Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, was also on hand to discuss the same topic. She stressed categorically on healthy practices that engineering professionals should follow for maximum productive living and service life. She admonished professionals to seek knowledge that could impact on personal hygiene, improve body immune system and boast environmental sanitation within their workforce. She enjoined the audience to be conscious of routine medical check-ups, consistent regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. She went ahead to recommend adequate intake of water, fruits, and vegetables as well as quality rest as ways to live a balanced life and achieve total wellbeing.
Present at the event were the Deputy Dean, Dr. Olusanya Olamide College of Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Dr. F. I. Apeh, Engr. Prof. O. A. Agbede from the department of Civil Engineering, and Engr. Ezugwu Chinedu. Also, Present was the APWEN Ota Chapter Executives, along with NSE Ota Branch Members. Also present are members of Staff and students of the University.
