The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Friday, unveiled the Rockcity Centre for Media and Leadership Development in Abeokuta, calling on stakeholders to intensify efforts toward encouraging girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Salako-Oyedele made the call during the unveiling of the centre at a STEM education programme for female students drawn from public and private secondary schools across Ogun State, held at Taidob College, Asero, Abeokuta.
The event attracted prominent stakeholders including the Olowu of Owu, Oba, Prof. Saka Matemilola, Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, academics, government officials and education advocates.
While unveiling the centre, the deputy governor commended Rockcity FM for initiating the project, stressing that STEM education remained critical to Nigeria’s technological advancement and national development.
She urged the students to remain focused and determined in pursuing careers in science-related fields.
Sharing her personal journey in the engineering profession, Salako-Oyedele said she overcame stereotypes and gender barriers to attain professional success, urging the girls to believe in their potential.
“I had to defy several stereotypes to reach the peak of my profession as an engineer. With determination, dedication and focus, you can also succeed in STEM careers,” she said.
In his remarks, Arogundade praised the founder of Rockcity FM, Dr. Niran Malaolu, for establishing the centre, describing the initiative as a major contribution to media development and youth leadership in Ogun State.
He noted that the centre would serve as a platform for nurturing young talents and strengthening media education.
Earlier in his welcome address, Malaolu explained that the centre was created to promote youth leadership, digital literacy, media education and advocacy for STEM across Ogun State and Nigeria.
He said the initiative, supported by Rockcity FM, was designed to rekindle young people’s interest in science and technology in an increasingly digital world.
“If we missed out during the industrial revolution, we must not miss out on today’s technology-based revolution,” Malaolu said.
He called for partnerships with institutions and stakeholders to mentor and support young girls aspiring to build careers in STEM fields.
Delivering a lecture titled “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Career Pathways in STEM,” the Head of the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Lagos, Prof. Titilola Aderonke Samuel, educated the students on opportunities available in STEM careers.
Samuel urged parents, teachers and policymakers to invest more in girls’ education, stressing that empowering girls in science and technology would significantly boost national development.
Also speaking, former Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, and former Commissioner for Environment, Chief Anthony Ojeshina, shared personal experiences to motivate the students to remain resilient in pursuing their academic ambitions.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, who was represented by a Permanent Secretary.
Also present were former Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Samuel, and Director of the RCMLD, Dr. Ebenezer Nkom, among others.
The highlight of the programme was a STEM quiz competition covering Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics among selected secondary schools in the state.
The contest, supervised by the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta branch, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, saw Taidob College emerge as the overall winner.
Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School came second, while Reverend Kuti Memorial Grammar School finished third.
The winning schools were presented with cash prizes, trophies and certificates.
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