By Kayode Olopade
The General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul (FNSE), has been honoured with a Legacy Award for her outstanding contributions to engineering development and professional excellence.
The award was presented to Engr. Abdul during the 2026 International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebration organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Zone, held at the Public Works Yard, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos.
The event, themed: “Engineering Intelligence: Leading Beyond the Blueprint, Building Legacies,” recognised her remarkable achievements, leadership, mentorship and commitment to advancing the engineering profession, particularly in creating opportunities for younger engineers.
Speaking at the occasion, APWEN National President, Engr. Chinyere Igwegbe (FNSE), represented by the Vice-President, Engr. Laolu Adedapo-Aishida, commended the role of the association in empowering young engineers and described the theme as a reflection of the evolving demands of modern engineering practice.
She praised Engr. Abdul for over two decades of dedication to APWEN and her efforts in encouraging young minds to embrace engineering while maintaining global standards in a profession traditionally dominated by men.
The guest speaker, Engr. Yetunde Holloway (MNSE), described engineering as a profession centred on human safety, innovation and continuity of impact.
According to her, modern engineering leadership goes beyond technical expertise to include ethics, risk management, artificial intelligence, innovation, analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration.
“Engineering looks at the past, present and future with a view to making projects better than the way they were before,” Holloway said.
The award was presented to Engr. Abdul by the Vice-Chairman of APWEN Lagos Zone, Engr. Zansi Adebowale.
In her acceptance speech, the LSMTL General Manager expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a call to greater service.
She said: “To be acknowledged by an association that represents the very best of our profession; women who have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings and continue to pave the way for the next generation of female engineers, is an honour that I do not take lightly.”
Engr. Abdul reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that buildings and infrastructure across Lagos State are founded on safety, quality and integrity.
“At the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every structure erected in Lagos State is built on a foundation of safety, quality and integrity,” she said.
She noted that with Lagos experiencing rapid population growth and urban expansion, the agency’s responsibility goes beyond regulation, describing its mandate as a duty to protect lives and property.
Highlighting achievements under her leadership, Abdul said the agency had introduced technology-driven reforms, including a web registration portal to improve data capture, reduce manual errors and strengthen regulatory processes.
She added that LSMTL had continued to collaborate with sister agencies and industry stakeholders to promote a resilient and sustainable built environment.
“We have championed the fight against mediocrity because we understand that cutting corners in construction is not just an infraction; it is a potential disaster waiting to happen,” she said.
Reflecting on the significance of the Legacy Builder Award, Abdul said true legacy was measured by the impact created and the systems established to benefit future generations.
“Legacy is about the impact we leave behind. It is about the systems we put in place that will outlive us. It is about the younger engineers we mentor and inspire,” she stated.
She encouraged young girls interested in engineering to pursue their dreams, stressing that women have continued to prove their capacity to excel and lead in the profession.
“To every young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer, do not let anyone tell you that engineering is a man’s world. We have proven that women can and will lead in this field,” she said.
The LSMTL boss expressed gratitude to APWEN and the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for providing an enabling environment for public servants to contribute meaningfully to development.
She added that the award represented not the end of a journey but a renewed commitment to serving the agency, the engineering profession and Lagos State.
The International Women in Engineering Day celebration is an annual platform organised by APWEN to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women engineers while inspiring the next generation of professionals in the field.
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