• Lagos deputy governor receives leadership award in engineering

 

To fast-track continental development, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has urged engineers across Africa to forge a stronger alliance towards accelerating infrastructure development, economic transformation and sustainable growth.

The President of NSE, Ali Rabiu, made the call at the 2026 UK Engineering Conference, organised by the NSE Glasgow Branch. The forum attracted the presentation of Distinguished Leadership Award in Engineering to the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who was honoured by Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Glasgow Branch, in recognition of his contributions to engineering, technology and infrastructural development in Lagos state.
Rabiu emphasised that Africa’s development aspirations can only be realised through collective action, strategic partnerships and the effective deployment of engineering expertise to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.
He described the conference as a timely platform for robust dialogue and collaboration capable of generating practical solutions to Nigeria and Africa’s developmental needs.

He said the inclusion of engineers and experts from different African countries reflects a shared commitment toward advancing the continent’s development agenda, adding that this should inspire meaningful collaborations that translate into tangible socioeconomic progress.

Addressing the gathering comprising the Special Adviser, Office of Works, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, who represented the Lagos deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, former National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Funmi Akingbagbohun, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, industry leaders, policymakers, academics and development experts, the lauded NSE Glasgow Branch for bringing together professionals from across Africa and beyond.

Rabiu said: “Through collective action and strategic partnerships, we can significantly reduce poverty, stimulate economic growth and accelerate sustainable development across our countries in Africa.”

The NSE President explained that the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demands a coordinated effort among engineering professionals across the continent, adding that the practitioners have a pivotal responsibility to design and deliver resilient infrastructure, expand access to affordable and reliable energy, improve water supply and sanitation systems, strengthen transportation networks, support industrialisation and develop technologies that directly enhance the quality of life of millions of Africans.

To him, the conference, which is the third edition, is a significant milestone in promoting international cooperation among engineering professionals. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce actionable recommendations capable of advancing engineering practice while contributing meaningfully to sustainable development in Nigeria and across the continent.

In a statement, the NSE, Glasgow, said the recognition of Dr Hamzat was based on his outstanding performance and contributions to engineering in Lagos State, particularly in technology and governance, digital transformation, promotion of e-governance initiatives, infrastructural development and the modernisation of the state’s transportation system.

The branch described Hamzat’s contributions as having set a high standard in engineering and governance, noting that his commitment to excellence had made a positive impact on society and the nation.