The Lagos Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr. Oludayo Oluyemi, has called on the three tiers of government, particularly the Federal Government, to patronise indigenous engineers in the planning and execution of all development projects in the country.
Oluyemi, who spoke at the branch’s 2016 public lecture and induction ceremony, said this would help to grow the profession and the economy at large.
“They should patronise technically qualified Nigerian engineers who are contractors and consultants,” he said.
He also urged the government to look into the areas of job creation, security, education, agriculture, health and development of infrastructure.
The Country Managing Partner of Celmeng Group of Companies Limited, Dr.Folu Olusanya, who gave the lecture, called on engineers in the country to embrace the change sweeping through the profession globally.
According to Olusanya, who is a Fellow of the NSE and spoke on ‘Entrepreneurship and strategy’, change has become inevitable and only those that are flexible and versatile are capable of responding.
He noted that lack of change and adaptability could result in loss of business failure.
He said, “An entrepreneur must be prepared to accept change and adapt to business accordingly. If a shift in your business is warranted, don’t be left behind; realise from the start that where you are is likely not to be where you will end.
“Entrepreneurship in emerging markets could very well be a major factor in the return of hearty global economy, why wouldn’t you be part of that change?”
Olusanya highlighted key business strategies to include studying the competition, conserving cash, researching new products and services, and listening to market feedback, among others.
He also urged small-scale businesses to explore funding options such as personal investment, external funding, equity financing, commercial loans, assets financing, government programmes and cooperatives.
He noted that entrepreneurs must strive to acquire the needed business skills before setting out.
Fifty-seven new members were inducted into the NSE, while the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sparta Contractors Nigeria Limited, Dr.Atilade Oshoniyi, was given a merit award for his contributions to the engineering profession.
Oshoniyi said the award was a reward for success that would encourage him to support the profession more, adding that engineers needed to contribute more to national development.
Source: Punch
