… Launches Engr Dr T.H.O. Elegba Innovation Challenge…
The Victoria Island Branch of Nigerian Society of Engineers was hub of excitement, and indeed unforgettable moment as it inaugurated its 8th chairman, in person of Engr Emeka Benson Ibeh. The event was a memorable one that confirmed the branch as the “Branch that makes the differences”; Isqil Najim writes.
The ceremony which was chaired by the president of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Babagana Mohammed attracted dignitaries from across the country. It was an occasion for engineers to strengthen their resolve towards promoting job creation and enterprises. The Inaugural lecture was delivered by Mr. David Adeyinka Fisher, the Lagos State manager, SMEDAN.
The Branch, which has in recent times become an advocate for job Creation among engineers, is strengthening its resolve through the new chairman, Engr Emeka Benson Ibeh to make even greater.
In his address, Engr Ibeh promised to hit the ground running and stated that his administration will sustain and upgrade some of the existing programmes in order to serve its growing members. The four strategic initiatives by the outgoing chairman, Engr. John Audu are retained for policy continuity.
Engr Ibeh announced that the NSEVI Innovation Fund (N.I.F.) which was launched to support innovation initiative among members and higher institutions within the Branch’s catchment area have begun to yield positive results as some prototypes were successfully developed and tested. He said the Branch will collaborate with States and corporate entities to achieve targeted goals.
Further, he said the Branch under his administration will strengthen the Vocational Skill acquisition program (VOSAP) to encourage engineers to be employers of labour; Human capacity Development Initiatives to boaster the knowledge and skill base of members; increase Membership Drive at all categories; and building on the success recorded at the Annual Group Dynamic Competition of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.
Speaking on the theme of the inaugural Lecture, the chairman said that “Small and medium-sized Enterprises remain the major players in the growth of all countries. He said that SMEs face multiple limiting factors in their operations and expressed optimism that “the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) will effectively alleviate these challenges moving forward.”
“NSE VI Branch, having made her mark as a leading Branch in our great society is expected to make greater positive impact within our immediate community and the country at large. We are confident that with the present crop of Executive committee, the support and creative suggestions from our esteemed fellows and members, we shall get to the promised land very soon.” he concluded.
…Babagana Preaches Unity, self reliance
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Babagana Mohammed used the opportunity to enjoined members to work together in unity and address challenges facing Engineering and the community. He urged Nigerian engineers to strengthen their skills base to be more competitive and not wait for government, as part of their survival strategies. He challenged engineers to lead in innovation and productivity drives across the country. He further enjoined members to participate in available committees to contribute their quota to the society’s development. While thanking the Branch for the supports he received from members, he used the opportunity to remind members of the upcoming International Conference and Annual General Meetings holding in Abuja and encouraged members to mobilise and attend the event.
Also speaking at the event, the immediate past chairman of the branch, Engr John Audu thanked Members for their support during his tenure of office despite the disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
.. launches Engr Dr T.H.O. Elegba Innovation Challenge,
As part of the activities by the Branch during the end of the year event, the Victoria island Branch of Nigerian Society of Engineers launched Engr Dr T.H.O. Elegba Innovation Challenge. The Engr Dr T.H.O. Elegba Innovation competition aims to encourage design thinking and production of equipment by undergraduate Engineers.
According to the chairman, Engr Ibeh, the competition will inject life into the establishment of SMEs, to take up and sustain the production of this basic construction equipment for our Engineers to reap the employment and other benefits that this Line of Business will bring to the table.
The new executive members were consequently sworn in.
- Engr. Emeka Benson Ibeh, Chairman
- Engr Christian Okwori, Vice Chairman
- Engr Sunday Egbeki, General Secretary
- Engr Joan Nwekem Assistant general Secretary
- Engr Isaac igba, Publicity Secretary
- Engr Ebere David, Assistant Publicity Secretary,
- Engr Adepoju Ademola, treasurer,
- Engr Patrick Nwogu, Financial Secretary
- Engr Maryanne Egbe, Assistant Financial Secretary
- Engr Caroline Adimba, Technical Secretary
- Engr Ezekiel Aji, Assistant Technical Secretary
- Engr Anthony Nwose, Welfare Secretary,
- Engr Babatunde James, Ex-officio
- Engr major Danol Adeniyi NSE hqtr relations Director
- Engr Olatunbosun Shittu, Internal Auditor
- Engr John Audu, Immediate Past Chairman
The events attracted various dignitaries among who are Engr Johnson Awoyomi who is NETCO managing director, (Special Guest of Honour), Engr David Adeyinka Fisher, Lagos State coordinator, SMEDAN (keynote speaker), the NSE president, Babagana Muhammed, Engr John Audu, Engr Mayen Adetiba, Engr Aishatu Umar, Vice President, NSE, Engr Joseph Akinteye, former Vice President, NSE, Engr Funmilola Ojelade, APWEN president, represented by Engr Adedapo Aishida, Engr Sunday Makinde, former National Chairman NIEEE, Engr Rose Madaki, Engr Lekan Olatunbisun, Lagos State Chairman NIEEE and hosts of others.
In addition, 51 new members were indicted as corporate members of the Branch.
