By Isqil Najim
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Abeokuta Branch has elected Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, as its new Chairman. This marks a significant milestone as he assumes the role as youngest individual to hold the position in the Branch’s 46-year history.
The election took place during the branch’s 2024 Annual General Meeting held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State, during which members elected new executives. Engr. Ademola Olagunju, the electoral chairman, officially announced Idowu’s victory.
This made Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, the 17th Chairman of the Branch and the youngest to assume the position in the history of the 46-year-old Branch.
He is taking over from Engr. Ismail Adenuga, a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, who has served the Branch diligently for two years.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to revitalizing the NSE Abeokuta Branch.
Idowu outlined his vision while he emphasized the importance of taking decisive action to drive positive change within the branch.
“We are prepared to embark on this journey starting tomorrow, aiming to rewrite the story of NSE Abeokuta in terms of professional development, member welfare, intergovernmental and industry collaborations, advocacy, improved community impact, and enhanced publicity. Our vision is clear, and our resolve is firm.
“In pursuit of our goals, we recognize that greatness will not be achieved by taking the easy road but by choosing the right path. As American President Franklin Roosevelt once said, ‘There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.’ We dare not stand still; we dare not let the opportunities of our future pass us by. We know the proper way forward for our Branch, and we shall take it,” Idowu said.
Joining Idowu in steering the branch’s course is a newly elected executive committee comprising:
- Vice Chairman: Engr. Dr. Adekunle Musa,
- General Secretary: Engr. Dr. Abolaji Ilori
- Assistant General Secretary: Engr. Ayomide Esther Bello
- Technical Secretary: Engr. Ismail Adeyemi
- Assistant Technical Secretary: Engr. Olusina Agbaje
- Treasurer: Engr. Gbenga Osungboye
- Financial Secretary: Engr. Adegoke Adewale
- Publicity Secretary: Engr. Solomon Ogbaje
- Assistant Publicity Secretary: Engr. Bukola Olodeokuta
- Internal Auditor: Engr. Toyin Oyeneye
- Ex-Officio: Engr. Dr. Grace Amusan
- Immediate Past Chairman: Engr. Ismail Adenuga,
During the Annual General Meeting, AGM, many far-reaching decisions were made by members. Besides report presentations, the event also served an opportunity to appreciate the outgoing executives under the leadership of the 16th Chairman, Engr. Ismail Adenuga, FNSE, who served the Branch meritoriously during their period of stewardship.
The new leadership is poised to elevate the NSE Abeokuta Branch to unprecedented heights, contributing significantly to the engineering profession and the overall development of the region.
The ceremonial inauguration of the new administration will be announced later.
Engr. Idowu Olumayowa Ayodeji works at the Engineering department, Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Abeokuta. He has worked in various sectors ranging from Academics, Power Solution Firm, I.T Corporation and Broadcasting Industry – directly focusing on how to solve people’s problem within his environment.
A holder of Bachelor Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Postgraduate Diploma in Education at Uthman Dan Fodio University Sokoto, and a Master of Science degree in Information Technology Idowu’s passion for education driven him to begin additional higher degree in Communication and Digital Signal at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
He is a member of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), member, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), International Association of Engineers (IAENG), Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), Fellow Institute of Policy Management and Development (IPMD), Registered Member of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and Registered Engineer with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). As an academician, Engr. Idowu has many published peer-reviewed articles in local and international journals, actively participated and presented at local as well as International conferences and meetings.
The Branch has been led since inception by many distinguished leaders. they are: Engr. V.O.A. Ajayi, FNSE (1980 – 1982), Engr. B.O. Opelami, FNSE (1982 – 1983), Engr. Yomi Ademefun, MNSE (1983 – 1985), Engr. S.A. Egberongbe, FNSE (1985 – 1990), Engr. M.A. Ogunfemi, FNSE (1990 – 1993), Engr. O.S.A. Famuyiwa, FNSE (1994 – 1998), Engr. M.G. Adebayo, FNSE (1999 – 2003), Engr. O.L. Oyewunmi, FNSE (2004 – 2007), Engr. T.S. Sogbaike, FNSE (2007 – 2009), Engr. M. O. Odesanya, FNSE (2009 – 2011), Engr. Rev. A. A. Awolana MNSE (2011 – 2013), Engr. A. A. Lawal MNSE (2013 – 2016), Engr. M. I. Abbass FNSE (2016 – 2018), Engr. Dr. O. A. Apampa FNSE (2017 – 2020) and Engr Dr. Kolawole Olonade (2020-2022). Engr Ismail Adenuga, FNSE (2023-2024)