Building the Future: Engineering Governance and Excellence in Edo State
Special Guests, Distinguished Fellows and Members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Captains of Industry, Government Officials, Members of the Academia, Students, Gentlemen of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good afternoon.
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the 9th Late Engr. G.O. Aiwerioba Public Lecture Series. This platform was established to honour the enduring legacy of one of the founding fathers of engineering practice in Nigeria, the late Engr. Chief Geoffrey Osatohanmwen Aiwerioba (FNSE, OON), whose contributions to our profession and to national development remain a source of inspiration to generations of engineers.
Today, we gather to deliberate on the theme: “Strengthening Infrastructure Delivery Through Engineering Governance in Edo State.” We will focus on enhancing project implementation, monitoring, accountability, and sustainability in infrastructure development. This theme is particularly relevant as we seek practical solutions to accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life for our people through sound engineering governance.
On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire membership of the NSE Benin Branch, I express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for honouring our invitation and for his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development in Edo State. We sincerely appreciate the partnership of the Edo State Government in advancing engineering-driven development.
We are equally honoured by the presence of the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, whose visionary leadership continues to strengthen the engineering profession across the nation. We thank all our sponsors, partners, stakeholders, and well-wishers whose support has made this event possible.
Distinguished guests, one of the highlights of today’s event is the presentation of scholarships to outstanding secondary school students under the 4th NSE Benin Branch Scholarship Programme. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing future engineers and promoting excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
I am delighted to announce that among the 14 participating secondary schools, Ogbe Secondary School distinguished itself remarkably by producing students who emerged in both the Joint First Position and Third Position. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the students, their teachers, school management, and parents.
I also congratulate Oba Akenzua II Secondary School, which emerged in Fourth Position and received the Consolation Award. Your performance demonstrates promise, determination, and the spirit of healthy academic competition. Let us give all the participating schools a resounding applause for their efforts and commitment to academic excellence.
The success of this scholarship programme would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, donors, members, and friends of the Branch. We deeply appreciate every individual and organization that contributed resources, time, and expertise towards making this initiative a reality.
As we celebrate these achievements, I humbly appeal for continued support and partnership. Together, we can expand the reach of this scholarship programme, touch more lives, inspire more young minds, and secure the future of engineering and technological innovation in Edo State and Nigeria at large.
To our award recipients, remember that excellence comes with responsibility. Let this recognition motivate you to aim even higher, remain disciplined in your studies, and become worthy ambassadors of your schools, your communities, and our nation.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we proceed with today’s programme, I encourage us all to actively engage in the discussions and share insights that will contribute to stronger engineering governance and sustainable infrastructure delivery in Edo State. May the deliberations of today yield practical outcomes that will positively impact our state and our nation.
Thank you for your presence, your support, and your unwavering commitment to the advancement of engineering.
May God bless the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
May God bless Edo State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you and welcome.