In a moment of professional recognition, Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and CEO of Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), received an IEEE award yesterday. But her mind and heart were far from the stage—focused instead on a friend whose life was tragically cut short: Clementina Saduwa (née Uvieghara).
Saduwa, a brilliant engineer, mentor, and advocate for women in technology, co-founded IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Nigeria alongside Egerton-Idehen. Their partnership was rooted in mutual support and shared purpose, championing initiatives that encouraged girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.
“Tina was the reason I got my first internship… and my first computer,” Egerton-Idehen recalled. “I helped her get her first job. That was our friendship—lifting each other as we climbed.”
Tragedy struck in 2007 when Saduwa was fatally shot during a robbery on Apongbon Bridge. She was just 29 years old, a young mother, and a rising star in the engineering community. The loss left a profound void for Egerton-Idehen, who stepped away from the projects they had built together, including school outreach, girls-in-tech advocacy, and IEEE WIE initiatives, overwhelmed by grief.
It took seven years for Egerton-Idehen to reclaim her purpose and continue the work she and Saduwa had envisioned. Yesterday, as she accepted the IEEE award, she reflected on the enduring impact of her late friend:
“Some lights burn so bright that even death can’t put them out. This one is for you, Tina. Your legacy lives.”
In honor of Saduwa’s life and contributions, IEEE WIE has established an annual award in her memory, recognizing women in engineering who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing STEM in Africa. The award ensures that Saduwa’s vision continues to inspire and empower the next generation of female engineers.
Egerton-Idehen’s tribute underscores the importance of mentorship, resilience, and advocacy in STEM fields. Her story highlights how the legacy of one remarkable individual can ripple across communities, motivating others to persevere, innovate, and lift others as they climb.
