Engr Ganiyu Owolabi, the Managing Director of Lagos based
Banilek Ventures Limited and Chairman of NSE Engineering Week, Ikeja Branch
spoke to Isqil Najim on the Branch forthcoming programme and the state of
Nigerian Oil Industry. Enjoy:
Isqil
Najim: Good
morning, my name is isqil Najim, it is a pleasure to have the honour of being
with you.
Isqil
Najim: Can you
briefly tell us about yourself, sir?
I am Engr. OWOLABI Ganiyu
(FNSE, FNIMechE) a Graduate of Mechanical Engineering who recently retired from
the Services of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) after
working in various Subsidiaries including PPMC, ETD, NAPIMS and the Nigerian
Gas Company Limited for thirty-three (33) years. I am married with Children and
currently the CEO of Lagos based Banilek Ventures Limited. I belong to the
Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Isqil
Najim: you have been
one of those knowledgeable about Nigeria oil and gas, what is your thought
debate about the suggestion of serving governor that NNPC should be disbanded,
what can be done to make the corporation more effective?
Engr Ganiyu Owolabi: The Governor’s suggestion that NNPC be “disbanded” is uncalled for as the
Federal Government of Nigeria still needs a body to coordinate, supervise and
manage the assets of the Country in the oil& gas industry. The Corporation
can be made more effective by reducing to the barest minimum the 3rd Party influence in the
governance of the Corporation. The PIB currently awaiting passage by the
National Assembly could give a NEW NNPC (depending on what the new nomenclatures
come out). There are very many seasoned and experienced Nigerians within the
system that can get the Organisation back
to working like it was in 1970s and 1980s.
With the
recent announcement of a New GMD and subsequent reduction of the Directorates
to four (4), it is hoped that new life will soon be put into the Corporation so
long as the 3rd Party interference/control is reduced.
Isqil
Najim: Looking at
the engineering skill angle, our youths complain of being left in the wood, but
we are aware NNPC regularly invest in training of young Nigerians, can you give
us insight into some of these trainings and how young engineers can benefit
from them?
EngrGaniyuOwolabi: Apart from the on the job training, NNPC has an appropriate Career path training programme that ensures
each Young Nigerian entering the Corporation gets appropriate knowledge within
three years of engagement. There are also opportunities for attachments of
Young new entrants to well established oil and gas Companies for a period of
time as a form of training. Project attachments also serve as training grounds
for Young Engineers. For the academically inclined Engineers, the Corporation
supports attainment of higher degrees.
Isqil Najim: NSE Ikeja
branch is one of the foremost branches in the country; having won several
awards and recognitions... could you give us insight into activity and welfare
package to members?
EngrGaniyuOwolabi: : The Ikeja Branch of the
Nigerian Society of Engineers is the Branch to Beat. In the past, there was Insurance cover for each
member as a form of welfare to them but this has been kept in the cooler in
recent past. However, Ikeja Branch Members still enjoy; Welfare packages for
marriages, burials, new babies and other socials, Celebrate Members’ birthdays at OGMs with
cards and cakes made available by the Branch, Attendance of Members at NSE
National Conferences are subsidised in transportation and accommodation. We also
support members who are in need of employment by releasing vacancies to our members
as soon as companies make request for Staff.
Isqil
Najim: The branch
regularly conducted its annual engineering week.. What is the significant of
this event and target objectives?
EngrGaniyuOwolabi: : The week ensures that
the Branch Members get opportunity to meet their Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) as a Group by relating with the Motherless and less
privileged members of the Society within the operational area of the Branch;
interact with Elders/Fellows of the Branch; compete amongst themselves and wind
down with a Dinner to end the week. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the
Branch is also organised to fall within the week.
Isqil
Najim: what should
members and non-members expect from this year event?
EngrGaniyuOwolabi: : The 2015 Engineering
Week has the following outlook
Monday
(17/8/2015) – Charity
Walk and Visit to the Motherless Home at Fagba, Lagos. Various gifts will be
presented to the Home.
Tuesday
(18/8/2015) –
Engagement with Engineers in Lagos State Public Service (11.00am to 2.00pm)
within the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos
Engineering
Games (4.00pm to 6.00pm) in Table Tennis; Opon Ayo; Chess, Draft and Scrabble
all to be held within the Branch Secretariat, Ogba, Lagos
Wednesday
(19/8/2015)- Hanging out with Elders and Fellows of NSE – ZEN
GARDENS (a Chinese Restaurant) on Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos
Thursday
(20/8/2015) – Annual
General Meeting of the Branch in the Secretariat
Friday
(21/8/2015) – Dinner/
Business Launcheon and Awards- To be held in BEST WESTERN PLUS, Allen Avenue,
Ikeja, Lagos from 7.00pm
Isqil
Najim: :How can one
be a member of NSE Ikeja branch ?
EngrGaniyuOwolabi:
Interested members will need to visit the website of the Branch (www.nseikejabranch.org ) and read through NSE MEMBERSHIP
REQUIREMENTS which contains the details on criteria for becoming either a Graduate
or Corporate Member. The Branch operates a Yahoo Group e-mail where further
information is given to Members of the Branch.
Isqil
Najim: : Let’s get
personal, how do unwind?
EngrGaniyuOwolabi: By watching football and
socialising. As a member of the Lagos Country Club, playing badminton and
interacting with members at the Club. Travelling gives me great satisfaction
and keeps me busy.
Isqil
Najim: : Your Word
Of Advice To Engineers Out There?
EngrGaniyuOwolabi: The road may seem to be
difficult/rough at the beginning of one’s career, but with dedication and commitment, all Engineers have
satisfactory and fulfilling future. Networking through attendance of various
events could also foster relationship with other Engineers. Senior Engineers
are still shying away from participating in Nigerian Politics which does not do
any good to the Profession.
Isqil
Najim: Thank you for
your time
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