Engineers seek council chairmen’s partnership for devt

Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) is seeking collaboration with chairmen of local government councils to build infrastructure at the grassroots levels.

The President of the society, Margaret Aina Oguntala, who stated this, yesterday, in Abuja at the society’s special second conferment of fellowship on deserving members, lauded Federal Government for securing financial autonomy for local councils at the Supreme Court.

She observed that attaining financial autonomy is not an end in itself, but a means to achieving physical development at the grassroots level.

She said: “The recent granting of financial autonomy to local government areas presents a unique opportunity for grassroots development. This autonomy allows local governments to directly manage their finances and prioritise projects that will have the most significant impact on our people.

“However, financial autonomy alone is not enough; it must be coupled with effective leadership and strategic planning. Local government chairmen nationwide must rise to the occasion and prove their mettle by collaborating closely with engineers.”

While applauding the contributions of the new Fellows to the development of the society, Oguntala said: “Your fellowship is a testament to your exceptional dedication, skill, and commitment to the advancement of engineering. This fellowship is not merely an acknowledgement of your past achievements but a charge to continue serving with excellence and integrity. As Fellows, you are now leaders of our esteemed Society.”

She charged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics and serve as role models for the next generation of engineers.

Fifty five engineers were conferred with the society’s Fellows status at the event.