“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” ― Jack Thorne
The National Chairman of Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, (NIMechE), Engr Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun in company of former National Chairmen of the Institution has paid a condolence Visit to the family of late Engr Franklin Ogbemi, one of the founding fathers of the institution at their residence in Lagos on January 19, 2022.
Late Engr Franklin Ogbemi, a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Nigerian Society of Engineers and the first vice Chairman of NIMechE died on Tuesday 18, 2022. He was one of the pioneer staff at Electricity Corporation of Nigeria, later known as National Electricity Power Authority, NEPA, and first Nigerian to become Fellow of institution of Mechanical Engineers, IMechE UK.
Speaking with the family, a past National Chairman of the Institution, High Chief Engr Akintunde Zedomi extolled the leadership and sterling qualities and contributions of late Ogbemi to the growth of engineering in Nigeria; Particularly power sector and development of mechanical engineering, where he distinguished himself, having rose through the ranks to the top. He prayed God to grant him eternal rest.
Also speaking, Engr Funmilade Akingbagbohun presented the official Institution condolence letter to the family. She said Baba would be greatly remembered for his immense contributions to the Mechanical engineering division. She added that he was very passionate about engineering even in his old age, he kept sharing ideas on the development of the engineering profession, which he expressed through several conversations with younger professionals She prayed God grant his family and the engineering the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Others in attendance, who also spoke are Engr Prince Biodun Oyedepo, FNSE, Engr Ayo Fanimokun, FNSE both former National Chairman of NIMechE and Engr Abdulganiyu Tiyamiyu, Lagos State Chapter Chairman. and Isqil Najim, representing the national secretariat.
The Family led by the first Child, Mrs. Aliero Ogbemi-Barlow and son, Engr Etan Ogbemi received the delegation. Engr. Etan Ogbemi, the son of the deceased, spoke on behalf of the family, thanked the Institution and the delegates. Etan Ogbemi, said their father had left a indelible footprints in the sand of time. He recounted the many sacrifices made by his late father to ensure professional development of engineers. Particularly, how he used his house to host the examination for the IMechE Nigerian chapter.
Through his life, late Ogbemi was a principled and kindhearted professional who left impact in everyone he met. Late Ogbemi worked in both United Kingdom and Nigeria. In Nigeria he joined Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) which was later transformed to National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). At establishment of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN in 1971, he was appointed among pioneer Council members by the Federal Government. He was a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Fellow of Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and hosts of others.
Burial Arrangement Announced:
The Family has tentatively sheduled the burial arrangement as follows: Thursday 27th Jan – service of songs at Our Saviours Anglican Church, TBS, Lagos.
Friday 28th Jan – burial service at Our Saviour’s Church, TBS ,Lagos by 1pm .
By Isqil Najim
NIMechE Loses its Founding Member, Engr Ogbemi Franklin Akomi at 89