Inaugural Speech by the 16th Chairman of NSE Ikeja Branch, Engr. Nimot Muili, FNSE, Delivered at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Branch’s New Executive Committee, BON Hotel Ikeja Residence, Ikeja GRA, Lagos
Protocols.
It is with deep honour and humility that I welcome you all to this historic event. On behalf of the newly inaugurated Executive Committee, I express our heartfelt appreciation for your presence and your continued support.
Today is more than a ceremonial gathering. Having prepared for this responsibility over the past several months, this occasion marks a celebration of our shared journey, our collective wins, and a renewed call to action. It is a moment of reflection on how far we’ve come—and a recommitment to “Building a Viable Engineering Culture”—one that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through engineering excellence.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our founding leaders, past Chairmen, and every one of you, the NSE Ikeja Branch has truly earned its name as “The Branch to Beat.” .
I am especially honoured to have served in various capacities within the Branch prior to assuming this leadership role. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for our rich legacy and strengthened my resolve to help shape its future—now guided by a 10-year Growth & Developmental Plan that provides a clear roadmap for continuity, innovation, and lasting impact.
One of the most impactful opportunities I had was to work with our strategic President’s think tank, The Margaret Oguntala Presidency Strategic Agenda (MOPSA) Secretariat—an effort that culminated in the adoption of a strategic document now serving as the roadmap for the entire NSE. Being part of this process was a great honour. I learned from some of the most visionary leaders in our profession and helped envision the future we all strive toward. It is on these principles that I now align my goals.
Celebrating Our Collective Achievements
The successes we celebrate today are the fruits of collaboration—among government, academia, industry, and our own members. This synergy has delivered tangible, transformative results, including:
- • Commissioning of a solar power system to support sustainable energy use
- • Securing a major donation of an 80KVA diesel generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply
- • Replacement of the damaged roof of the Rauf Aregbesola Engineering Resource Centre
- • Installation of a branded access door at our administrative office
- • Upgrading of our audio system to improve our programmes implementation and delivery
- • Hosting capacity-building programs, such as Power Up! (Power Systems Training), Technical Report Writing Workshops, and CNG Conversion Training
- • Hosting of the 2025 Annual Business Luncheon
- • Sustaining legacy – hosting of Ralph Alabi Annual Memorial Lecture and induction of new members.
- • Revitalising the Adigun Arewa Mentorship Scheme (NIBAAMS) by introducing logbooks for mentors and mentees to ensure accountability and empower young engineers and students
- • Pioneered the launching of the V-STEAM Initiative at the Branch in line with our Strategic Agenda MOPSA Agenda Theme IV – Community Impact.
- • Our Members & Spouses Monthly Meetings, keeping our engineering ecosystem in Ikeja intact.
- • Government – Industry – Academia bipartite and tripeptides relationship Etc.
These are not just achievements; they are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. They lay the foundation for the next phase of our evolution.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and the Blue Economy
Our theme today, “Innovation for Tomorrow: Connecting Resilient Infrastructure with the Blue Economy,” is not just timely—it is strategic.
It aligns with the upcoming NSE Annual Conference and AGM in Ibadan, themed “Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy.”
As we envision a smarter, more resilient Lagos, innovation must lead the charge. The Blue Economy—spanning sustainable fisheries, maritime transport, aquatic agriculture, marine-based tourism, waste management, and renewable marine energy—holds vast potential for economic diversification, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
To fully harness this potential, we must connect it with resilient, smart infrastructure, driven by:
1. Completion of the revised Lagos State Transport Master Plan (STMP) – Integrating multiple transport modes while reducing emissions through adaptive design.
2. Design of roads with dedicated Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) lanes – Promoting sustainability, accessibility, and safety.
3. Establishment of a “One-Stop-Shop” Resilience and Compliance Agency – A state-level body to ensure infrastructure aligns with climate adaptation and mitigation goals.
4. Creation of an Integrated Investment Desk – In partnership with the Office of Public-Private Partnerships (OPP), to streamline investor engagement and collaboration.
To unlock Lagos’s maritime potential, we must:
• Promote tourism and recreational infrastructure investments
• Expand sailing sports and regatta events
• Upgrade water transport infrastructure with larger, modern ferries
• Support sustainable aquatic agriculture through policy and funding
• Collaborate with federal agencies to attract specialised maritime financing
The presence of relevant Federal and State MDAs here today reinforces my belief that these aspirations are within our reach—through unified effort and sustained commitment.
Vision for the Future
Our 10-Year Strategic Plan simplifies and strengthens the vision for a more impactful NSE Ikeja. With the support of our leaders, members, and partners, we are poised to:
• Foster cross-sector partnerships for transformative engineering outcomes
• Scale capacity development through training, mentorship, and global skills alignment
• Promote grassroots innovation, empowering local solutions for national and global relevance
• Enhance the visibility of engineering impact through strategic advocacy and public engagement
• Improve member mobility and advancement across all membership cadres
These efforts will be anchored through continued development of our Ralph Alabi Engineering Resource Complex, which remains central to our technical, training, and community goals.
To our young engineers and students: your creativity, energy, and curiosity are limitless. We are committed to mentoring, empowering, and co-creating with you to shape a brighter engineering future.
Final Words
I extend my deepest appreciation to the Planning Committee , under the leadership of Engr Benedict Adeyileka – Chairman and Engr Yusuf Majolagbe – Alternate Chairman, for their tireless work in making this event a success.
Indeed, there is still so much untapped potential—especially within the Blue Economy—which will ripple through every part of our engineering and professional landscape.
Let us move forward with unity, courage, and commitment – to build a smarter, more resilient, and inclusive Lagos, and a greater Nigeria.
Together, let us write the next chapter of engineering excellence for NSE Ikeja Branch.
Distinguished Leaders, Esteemed Engineers, Colleagues, Partners, Guests, Respected Past Chairmen, Members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Young Engineers and Students, Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Press:
Thank you.
God bless the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
God bless the NSE Ikeja Branch.
God bless Lagos State.
God bless our great nation, Nigeria.
Yours in Service,
Engr. Nimot. Muili, MSc, FNSE, FINEE, PMP
Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch