The event, held in Lagos to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons, included a technology workshop, free health checks, discussions on engineering in Nigeria at 63 and other programs for engineers aged.
The president of the APWEN Lagos section, Dr Atinuke Owolabisaid the workshop on new trends in engineering was an opportunity to improve the knowledge and skills of senior citizens.
Owolabi described the reverse mentoring aspect of the training, which involved a pairing between senior mentor and junior mentor, as the most exciting aspect of the event.
She said the subject, “Reverse mentoring for senior female engineers on new trends”, highlighted the importance of bridging the generation gap in the profession.
She highlighted the need for seasoned engineers to learn new perspectives from younger colleagues in order to stay relevant in an ever-changing technology landscape.
“Our senior members bring a wealth of experience, industry knowledge and a deep understanding of engineering principles that have stood the test of time.
“However, they can benefit enormously from the technological prowess and innovative thinking of our young engineers.
“Similarly, our younger engineers can gain invaluable wisdom and guidance from the pioneering careers of our elders. » she says.
She said embracing new trends and technologies would help seniors and youth stay relevant and make meaningful contributions to the field while fostering collaboration.
“Reverse mentoring empowers the next generation in their professional journey and helps them unlock their full potential, paving the way for future success.
“It also creates a legacy as older engineers will have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the field of engineering by mentoring and encouraging the talents of those who carry the torch.” » she says.
Owolabi said APWEN was committed to a future where age would not be a barrier to older people’s passion for STEM.
She advised older citizens to embrace the initiative to bridge the generation gap for an inclusive engineering community.
“Together we can deliver on the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for older people, ensuring our engineering legacy endures for generations to come.” » she says.
Mr. Haastrup AdesojiICT expert/business coach, spoke on the theme of the International Day of Older Persons: “Fulfilling the promises of the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights of Older Persons: Across Generations.
He said training on new trends would energize the minds of senior citizens and keep them productively engaged in national growth.
He called on the country’s leaders to develop policies that would target the development of the minds of the elderly, insisting that age is a matter of the mind and not the body.
Former president of APWEN, Mrs. Idiat Amusu, who is in his 70s, said technology is advancing daily, hence the need for older engineers to learn new applications like AI from younger ones.
Amusu said age is in the mind and is just a stage in life, adding that at 71, she is still learning and will continue to learn to be mentally alert at all times .
Dr Ihmade Okokpujielecturer/researcher at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, speaking on the “Reverse Mentoring Initiative”, urged older people to have an open mind about being coached by the youth.
Okokpujie, who participated in the event virtually, explained the importance of mentoring, the benefits of the initiative and the need for young mentors to stay up to date with technology.
The guest speaker advised senior female engineers to engage in sports activities, be physically active, besides get enough sleep and attend lectures to improve their brains.
