At an atmosphere of professionalism and candour, the famed tradition of smooth leadership transition among Engineers is on display as the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers swore-in Engr (Mrs) Funmilade Akingbagbohun as its 13th Chair. She takes over from Engr Akin Akintola, under whose tenure the Branch returned to the Top three among the over 60 Branches of the NSE in the country.
Distinguished and respected industry leaders, professionals across board, policy makers, friends, family of engineering filled the capacity hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers Ikeja to the brim as the guests equally occupied the adjoining hall: Under HRH Adebisi Rosiji Okubanjo, the Obiri of Idobiri Aiyepe Ijebu, as the Royal father.
Chaired by the NSE President Engr Adekunle Mokuolu, the event also had in attendance two former Presidents of the NSE, Engr Dr Ajayi, , Engr Olrunfemi Isaac Ademola. Others are Grp Cpt. John Obakpolor, Founding President of Aviation Roundtable, Engr Olu Maduka, immediate past President of Nigerian Academy of Engineering and its first female President, Engr Joseph Akinteye, Vice President NSE, Engr Babagana Muhammad, NSE Deputy President, Adeniran Ibitoye, NSE, Engr Halimat Adeniran, Engr Abdul Rasheed Babalola, all National Executive members of NSE. Engr Margaret Oguntala three time NSE Vice President and first female Chair Ikeja Branch, Engr Kunle Adebajo former National Chairman NIStructE , Engr Ayo Fanimokun former National Chairman NIMechE, High Chief Engr Tunde Zedomi former Chairman Apapa NSE and National Chairman NIMechE, Prof Doyin Ashiru, MD/CEO Tricontinetal Oil and Gas Limited, RT Revd. Babatunde Ogunbanwo, Bishop of Ijebu South West Diocess Anglican Communion, Engr Mrs Laolu Adedapo Aisida, Chair APWEN Lagos, Engr Saliu Lawal, ASCE Nigerian chapter president, and former National Chairman NICE, Hon Gbenga Edema, Chairman Ondo State Oil producing Areas Development Commission and host of others
The investiture lecture was delivered by Hon Commissioner for Works and Infrastructures, Engr Ade Olayinka Akinsanya who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works Engr Hotonu ; he presented paper on Enhancement and Empowerment of Engineering Professionalism. He offered a series of directions toward enhancement of engineering practices through the eyes of regulatory agency as COREN, professional bodies as NSE and also not leaving out the engineers as professionals.
Earlier, the outgoing Chairman Engr Akin Akintola has delivered a farewell address title “Time to thank You’’ in which he chronicled the Branch’s journey and achievements in the past two years up to the elevation back to top three among the Branch Nationwide. Also the president of NSE
The Investiture ceremony witnessed the handing over from Engr Akintota in a rousing atmosphere as she took to podium to unveil her agenda for the Branch.
In her address, the new Chair, now the second woman to head the Branch, thanked the engineers for confidence reposed in her and showered encomium on the founding fathers and her predecessors who she said are responsible for the solid structure she is meeting on ground. She noted the Branch, has over the year developed the ‘habit of ‘regularly reinventing itself through generation after generation of leaders’ from the pioneering exploits of late Engr Ralph Alabi and founder, Late Olu Awoyinfa to the immediate past Engr Akintola. She pledged to uphold the tradition and leave the Branch better that she meets it.
Setting her agenda, Akingbagbohun, who is a senior engineer with Lagos State Government, emphasised that she will focus more on enhancement and empowerment of engineers while also sustaining the existing laudable programmes of the Branch.
‘It behoves on us to respond quickly to the changing dynamism of the engineering organisation within the state and country at large, “she enthuse, calling on members to join her, “ to reflect on our past, critically assess the present and look forward to the future with greater hope and enthusiasm.”
“Our focus,” she continued, “must be how to tap into the opportunities in the land (Nigeria), from local content law to the executive order 5 for the benefits of the engineering practitioners. “
She sought the supports of the members and general public in achieving all the goals and rounded up with rallying words of mother Theresa saying “None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love and together we can do something wonderful”.
She thereafter swear-in other members of her Executive committee members. They are: Engr Sunday Amos (Vice chairman), Engr Oluwaniyi Femi-Bola (Gen Secretary), Engr Faosat Adesola Aina, (Treasurer), Engr Majonagbe Adebayo, (Financial Secretary), Engr Remi Eko (Technical Secretary), Engr Lekan Obabode ( Publicity Secretary), Engr Catherine Onojaife (Asst Gen Secretary), Engr Bamidele Lawal (Asst. Technical Secretary), Engr Abdulganiyu Tiamiyu (Co-opted), Engr Tosin Ogunmola (Ex-Officio), while Engr Akin Akintola is Immediate past Chairman.
The event also witnessed the launching of Inaugural Engr Kayode Adekoya Scholarship Scheme won by Mr. Bakis Sadiq. Distinguished Personalities were honoured with meritorious awards. Among them are High Chief Engr Akintunde Zedomi, Prof. Doyin Ashiru, MD/CEO Tricontinental Oil and Gas, Ms Omolara Lawanson, CEO MOVIC Wellness Centre, Ibadan, Engr AbdulWahab Ogunbiyi, Engr Ganiyu Sadiq, Chairman merit Petroleum, Engr Oluwafemi Akarakiri, Senior Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources.
In addition corporate engineering firms were honoured as Offshore Dimensions Won the Award for Innovation in Engineering while Tranos Engineering was also recognised.
Report Compiled by Isqil Najim
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