- *says Nigeria needs deliberate policies to back Nigerian coys
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Babagana Mohammed, says the organization celebrated the 2020 World Engineering Day to appreciate the decision of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to set aside a special day to celebrate engineering worldwide.
Engr. Mohammed, who said this at the 2020 World Engineering Day Symposium held yesterday in Abuja, stated that the UNESCO considered the strength of the proposition made by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) to appreciate the value of engineering to the existence of mankind.
The symposium themed “World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development” was also used to celebrate engineers and engineering in the delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The NSE President, who said the conviction and tenacity of the founding fathers of the organization had been sustained over the years by successive leadership of the Society, assured all that the tenacity would not falter even in many years to come.
He said the event was an occasion for reflection, stressing that the Planning Committee carefully selected topics weaved around the Sustainable Development Goals for discussion at the symposium so that participants will listen to experts on how engineering is impacting positively in achieving the SDGs.
Engr. Mohammed, who said the gathering was to celebrate engineering on the world stage and reflect on the journey of the profession in Nigeria, added that the organization leveraged on the opportunity to acknowledge excellence in the practice of engineering in Nigeria by highlighting the feats achieved by some of their outstanding colleagues.
He said: “I welcome top government functionaries, captains of industry, representatives of international organisations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), other professionals in our midst, students of Primary and Secondary schools present here, as well as University undergraduates.
“I particularly welcome our dear Past Presidents, Council and Executive Committee Members of the NSE, Fellows and Members of the Society. Indeed, all distinguished Engineers present here are warmly welcome to this auspicious event. Today is the World Engineering Day! Our day! We must all rejoice in it.
“Considering the strength of the proposition made by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), UNESCO, in its wisdom considered the value of Engineering to the existence of mankind and appropriately set aside a special day to celebrate Engineering worldwide. Consequently, March 4, every year was declared as the World Engineering Day (WED) for Sustainable Development starting from 2020. We are here today to do our own bid in an event that is being observed simultaneously worldwide.”
He added: “There is no doubt that engineering excellence has changed the world dramatically over time. Mankind has witnessed great voyages, wars, trade and commerce across continents. The advancements in medical facilities, innovations that have enhanced mass communication, industrial revolution and improvement in teaching and learning as well many other activities of human endeavour, are all majorly because of the growth of engineering ingenuity.
“Over a period of three decades, NSE has witnessed tremendous growth resulting in the establishment of seventy-five (78) Branches, one in London, United Kingdom and Houston, United States of America. Again, from the fields of Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Telecommunications Engineering which were the founding member’s fields, we now have twenty-five (25) Divisions established majorly along fields of specialization.
“While the Branches undertake advocacies and liaisons with government and other development stakeholders, the job of the Divisions include the development of Codes and Standards which are the technical guidelines for promoting safety, reliability, productivity and efficiency in engineering work. I salute the efforts of every member of this Society both at the Branches and Divisions levels, that have collectively brought us to heights that we have attained thus far.”
The NSE President, while fielding questions from journalists, called on engineers braced up for the challenges to move the country where it should be in this decade.
He, however, stressed the need for deliberate policies of government to encourage engineering and engineers to take over various activities by empowering Nigerian companies to do major jobs to achieve the target of accelerated development.
He said China was able to put up structure in 11 days to tackle coronavirus because of capacity and government policies that supported them.
“That is why they are where they are. Nigerian engineers are very intelligent people I can vow for them. First you need to be intelligent, understand the skills, if we get the skills, we will be where they are. Nigerian engineers are excelling abroad and they started from here, it’s a proof that they are very intelligent.
“Today, we have cases to celebrate because they were government interventions. LNLG is a purely Nigerian company run by Nigerian engineers and they are competing at the world stage. Come to where I belong, oil and gas, we design super circuit inside deep seas. We have alignment with foreign partners, we are developed, the next step is for government to give heavy concession to Engineering firms, let us engage foreigners on our terms not on government terms. I keep telling anyone who cares to listen, Nigeria must be developed by Nigerians.”
The occasion featured Community Engineering Projects Showcase, Recognition of Outstanding Nigerian Engineers, Essay Competition for Secondary Schools, and Engineering Innovations Exhibition.
Presentations at the symposium to mark the World Engineering Day included “Affordable and Clean Energy” by Dr Sanusi Mohammed Ohiare; “Clean Water and Sanitation” – Engr. Ebele Okoke; “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” – Engr. Umar Bindir; “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” – Engr. M.O Agu; “Sustainable Cities and Communities” – Engr. Funmilola Ojelade; and “Quality Engineering Education” by Engr. Kafayat Adeyemi.
