Rachel Adebowale Adenike, a student from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has been crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Pinefon Innovation Challenge tagged SHE CAN 2.0.
The event, organized by the Pinefon Empowerment Initiative, aims to inspire and empower young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a special focus on nurturing the girl child.
The competition, held at PTI, highlighted the exceptional talents of female innovators in STEM fields. Miss Adebowale’s presentation, “Comparative Evaluation of Drilling Fluid Additives Formulated from Cow Bones, Palm Kernel Shaft, and Palm Kernel Husk,” captivated the judges and secured her the top prize.
The panel of judges, led by Professor Kenneth Ibe of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, applauded the initiative and the participants’ groundbreaking projects. Prof. Ibe remarked:
“The SHE CAN initiative, under Mrs. Mfon Otite-Douglas’s leadership, is a remarkable concept encouraging the girl child to explore her potential and contribute meaningfully to national development. All participants have proven that indeed SHE CAN.”
Dr. Yusuf, Assistant Director of PTI’s Environmental Management and Science Technology Department, also praised the contestants, stating:
“This event showcased exceptional ingenuity. Though there can only be one winner, all participants demonstrated remarkable creativity and potential.”
In her victory speech, Miss Adebowale expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and the organizers, stating:
“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. This achievement proves that success is not determined by gender but by determination, passion, and hard work. To every girl out there: embrace the SHE CAN spirit because with perseverance, we can achieve our dreams.”
She encouraged young women to pursue knowledge, think innovatively, and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
Miss Owe Abigail Okeoghene, the first runner-up, presented her project, “The Beneficiation Potential of Cow Bones and Coconut Shells as Additives on Local Clay for Mud Quality Improvement.” She expressed gratitude, saying:
“This initiative has shown me that my voice matters and that I can positively impact my environment.”
The second runner-up, Miss Tobore Akpevwe, conducted research on “The Assessment of Heavy Metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Content of Soil from a Farm Near a Petrol Filling Station in Effurun.” She reflected:
“This challenge pushed me to believe in myself and strive for excellence.”
Mrs. Mfon Otite-Douglas, Executive Director of Pinefon Empowerment Initiative, highlighted the program’s mission in her address:
“The Pinefon Innovation Challenge celebrates and nurtures future STEM leaders. SHE CAN reminds every girl that with determination and focus, she can achieve greatness.”
She revealed that the competition attracted entries from across Delta State, with 12 semi-finalists receiving ₦100,000 grants, mentorship, and internships. The top three finalists competed for grand prizes, with Miss Adebowale earning ₦300,000, while the runners-up received ₦50,000 each.
The 2024 Pinefon Innovation Challenge at PTI was not just a contest but a celebration of talent, innovation, and the transformative power of education. It affirmed the potential of the girl child to break barriers and excel in STEM.
Miss Adebowale’s success stands as a powerful example of how determination and innovation transcend gender, inspiring a brighter, more inclusive future for women in STEM.