The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Apapa Chapter, has inaugurated Mr Emmanuel Okolo as its 11th Chairman for a two-year tenure.
It also inducted 10 new members into the society on Monday in Lagos.
In her address, NSE President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, congratulated Okolo and the newly inaugurated executive members of the chapter.
Oguntala, represented by NSE Vice President, Mrs Rose Madaki, charged the Okolo-led executive to uphold professionalism and adhere to the laws and ethics guiding the society in their duties.
“The new executive must work towards achieving success and progress.
“We expect to see a new leadership style that adds value to the society,” Oguntala said.
She added that the NSE national body would continue to support the professional development of the Apapa chapter and its new executive.
In his acceptance speech, Okolo pledged that his administration would be all-inclusive, to enable all members to contribute to the chapter’s success.
He assured members that the new executive would be fully committed to their roles as outlined in the chapter’s constitution.
Okolo also expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges facing businesses and economic activities in the country.
According to him, this is to contribute to the advancement of engineering practices within the chapter and across Nigeria.
“The world is dynamic and we appeal to everyone to support us in implementing the changes we need.
“We shall do things differently to achieve better and greater results.
“Our doors are open to all suggestions that will move the chapter forward,” Okolo said.
The chairman also called on well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to support the chapter by addressing some of its pressing needs.
He listed the needs to include replacement of the chapter’s ailing bus, acquisition of land for the proposed Engineering Resource Centre, office space and an endowment fund for capacity building.
“The chapter also needs to overhaul or replace obsolete office equipment,” he added.
Okolo thanked NSE President, Oguntala, for her dedication to repositioning the society and congratulated the newly inducted members for successfully completing the rigorous process of corporate membership.
In his valedictory speech, outgoing Chairman, Mr Babatunde Awode, expressed gratitude to the chapter members for their support during his tenure.
He expressed confidence in Okolo’s leadership, stating that “he has been tested and trusted”.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, congratulated Okolo and urged him to partner with the government, private sector and international organisations.
Represented by Mr Babatunde Bonbata, Director of Safety and Security at the Ministry, Oyetola highlighted the importance of the marine sector to Nigeria’s economy.
He called on engineers to ensure that infrastructure meets global standards to revamp the sector.
“Engineers, including architects, design, build and maintain infrastructure that drives every aspect of our economy, including ports, waterways and roads.
“Their role in economic transformation cannot be overemphasised,” Oyetola said.
In her keynote address, Dr Halimat Adediran, First Female Chairperson of NSE Bwari Chapter, emphasised the critical role engineers play in harnessing the potential of the maritime sector for national growth.
She noted the sector’s significant challenges, including outdated infrastructure, aging vessels and policy issues, which hinder its growth.
“I recommend that the government and stakeholders invest in infrastructure development, innovation and technology.
“Public-Private Partnerships are essential to drive growth and sustainability,” Adediran said.
The Guest Speaker, Mr Christopher Amakulo, Director of Shipping Development at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), also highlighted the potential of the marine and blue economy sector for Nigeria’s strategic development.
Amakulo urged engineering professionals to address the technical and regulatory challenges facing the sector to unlock its full potential and position Nigeria as a
leader in maritime development across Africa.
