The inauguration of Minna chapter and the investiture of its first executive were conducted took place recently amidst wide accolade from members, well-meaning citizens of Nigerian and beyond. As early as 9:00 am, witnessed the arrival of members of the institution, its national executives and members of other division in the Nigerian Society of Engineers. This followed the arrival of Guest Lecturer in person of Engr. A. D. Kutigi FNSE and the Special Guest of honourEngr. Shehu Umar Danyaya who is the secretary to the State Government ably represented by Permanent Secretary Energy and Power Engr. A. Salihu. The programme commenced with both National and NIMechE anthem and,the dignitaries and special guests were introduced. The opening prayers was offered and the welcome address was given by the yet to be inaugurated Chapter Chairman in person of Engr. Dr. M. B. Ndaliman.
2) A paper title “Elimination of petroleum products subsidy through a new policy on transportation” was presented by the guest lecturer where he proposed solutions to the existing problems through new policies in the areas of urban transport, rural transportation, intercity passenger transport, good haulages, fluid transportation, air travel and many other measures as contained in the paper. He then, concluded that there is no problem without solution. Unfortunately in Nigerian our policy makers being either lazy or incompetent normally adopt quick fix policies without thorough research into its long term negative effects. In many instances consequences of these policies created worse challenges than solution. He also said that the outlined measures will not only save us money, itwill also increase passenger’s comfort and safety and, reduce environmental pollution. The huge savings estimated at over 1trillion naira annually derived from elimination of petroleum subsidy will be used to implement the new transport policy and other vital needs of the country such as primary health care, educational institutional and infrastructure.
3) The address by the national chairman was to follow. As he encouraged members of the institution to work hard and ensure that the profession is uplifted progressively. He then inaugurated both Chapters of corporate members and students of Minna Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The administration of the oath office on the Chapter Chairman was carried out and his brief citation was read.
The New Chapter Chairman, Engr. Dr. M. B. Ndaliman is an erudite academia who hard authored more than 40 research publications mainly in referee – indexed, international journal and conferences, members of several professional bodies. He is a winner of so many honours/awards which includes nominee of international biographical center, Cambridge, England’s top 100 Engineers, 2014 and best PhD graduate in Engineering Award, International Islamic University Malaysia of the same year. He is currently appointed the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Minna. Also at the event, many members were inducted and certificate of membership issued.
4) Good will messages were received from some guest in the congregation. Keynote address was then given by the special guest of honour Engr. Shehu Umar Danyaya ably represented by permanent secretary energy and power Engr. A. Salihu, where he spoke on the willingness of the state government to support the institution all the time and also the expectation of good policy recommendation from the institution. A cultural display was then carried out by “Sabo da kaza” cultural troops, Minna which showcased the need for an Engineer to struggle in order to build his profession and professionalism. The Guest Lecturer and the Special Guest of Honourwere immediately honoured by the National Chairman and the event was rounded up with delightful entertainments.A vote of thanks was then offered by Engr. Ishaq Lapai who was the chairman of the inauguration committee. The country's second national stanza was sung as the closing prayers.
Thank you
Engr. Dr. M. D. Bako
General Secretary
