His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has called on Members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to serve the nation with their sharp minds and skilled hands to make the country great in the areas of infrastructure and industrialization.
The President, represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq, made the call at the 2024 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) held in Abuja on Thursday, 19th November, 2024.
The theme of this year’s conference “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change,” according to the President “reflects our shared belief that, with skilled hands, sharp minds, and a strong sense of purpose, we can engineer a better, more prosperous Nigeria.” This is premised on the fact that engineering sits at the heart of progress in today’s world, where technology and innovation are constantly reshaping industries, economies, and lives. “Engineers are not just builders; they are problem solvers, creators, and the architects of our future,” the President further stressed.
President Tinubu, GCFR, while attesting to the array of bright and most passionate crop of engineers in Nigeria, reinstated his administration’s commitment and determination to strengthen infrastructure and industrial growth in Nigeria.
He listed the Administration’s goals to include, strengthening infrastructure, and industrial growth as a foremost priority, so as to build and sustain resilient infrastructure that meets the demands of a growing population and a dynamic economy, promoting sustainable energy solutions, empowering Nigerian Engineers and fostering innovation, which are the core of every great nation as a skilled workforce. Others are focussing on creating opportunities for professional development and innovation within the engineering sector, through partnerships with educational institutions and private sector stakeholders, supporting Nigerian engineers by creating an environment that fosters innovation by establishing the National Engineering and Innovation Fund, a novel initiative designed to provide grants and resources to Engineers and Technologists working on solutions for Nigeria’s unique challenges. With this Fund, we aim to support local innovations, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of engineering advancement in Africa, he disclosed.
“I urge you to continue striving for excellence, to embrace innovation, and to contribute your skills and talents to the Nigeria of our dreams,” concluded the President.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was also represented, highlighted the aptness of theme as aligning with Nigeria’s economic blueprint. He underscored the vital role of engineering in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, through initiatives like the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, while also advocating for stronger collaboration between Engineers and the Public toward enhancing infrastructure development, likewise economic growth.
In his Remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the critical role of engineering in achieving sustainable food systems, which align with the Government’s priority to combat food production challenges, highlighting factors like insecurity, vagaries of the weather and economic distributions that have impacted food security. He reiterated the need of expertise and the importance of collaboration between Engineers and the Agriculture sector toward implementing practical solutions. The theme of the event succinctly captures the Administration’s commitment under the “Renewed Hope Agenda” to ensure food security, also tackle climate challenges.
In a Welcome Address, the President, NSE, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, highlighted the relevance of the theme, “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change” and detailed the society’s initiatives and achievements.
Engr. Oguntala dwelled on the role of Engineers in addressing national challenges, particularly those of food security and renewable energy, she outlined NSE’s efforts to empower young engineers through training in areas such as data analytics, software development, and smart farming. She also revealed plans for an engineering village and demonstration farms to showcase modern agriculture techniques and renewal energy applications.
She advocated for better recognition and remureration for engineers, seeking for reforms to improve starting salaries for public sector engineers.
In his Goodwill Message, the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, also drummed up the importance of engineering in addressing Nigerian’s development challenges, which align with the conference’s theme.
Governor Zulum highlighted the role of innovative engineering solutions and urged for collaboration between the Government and the engineering community toward sustainable progress.
He stressed the importance of adopting leadership models that prioritize merit and integrity, drawing from global examples, like China’s leadership selection system. He also encouraged the application of advanced technologies,such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, to address critical national issues.
Signed
Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Press and Public Relations.
