Engineering professionals on Thursday called for renewed innovation, stronger professional capacity and comprehensive reforms in engineering consultancy practice to accelerate sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria and across Africa.

They stressed the need for engineering professionals and consulting firms to adapt to emerging technological, economic and environmental realities while maintaining the professional standards necessary for effective infrastructure development.

Dr Edward Nwachukwu Moore disclosed this during the 3rd Engr George Chukwulewa Okoroma distinguished annual lecture, organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Omoku Branch.

The lecture, themed “Reshaping Engineering Consultancy Practice for Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Challenges, Innovations and Future Directions”, provided a platform for professionals to examine the changing demands of engineering consultancy and the future of infrastructure development.

Nwachukwu Moore brought his professional experience and industry perspectives to discussions on the evolving role of engineering consultants in infrastructure delivery.

The annual lecture was established by the NSE Omoku Branch in honour of Engr. George Chukwulewa Okoroma, a pioneer Chairman of the branch and former President of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN).

Okoroma assumed office as President of FIDIC Africa in May 2026, following his previous service as Honorary Treasurer, Executive Committee Member and Vice President of the continental body.

A civil engineer trained in France, Okoroma began his career in construction and project management before establishing engineering firms, including Gambeta Nigeria Limited and GAPEC Consultants Limited.

For more than four decades, he has contributed to engineering practice, infrastructure development, professional institutions and human-capacity development in Nigeria and beyond.

The NSE Omoku Branch said the lecture was designed not merely as a ceremonial event but as a platform for professional reflection, knowledge sharing and constructive dialogue on the future of engineering practice.

Participants at the event also highlighted the importance of competence, integrity, innovation, mentorship and sustained professional service in strengthening the engineering profession and improving infrastructure outcomes.

The branch described Okoroma as a prominent figure in the engineering profession in Rivers State and the South-South region, particularly for his contributions to engineering development in Ogbaland and the establishment and growth of the NSE Omoku Branch.

The event also featured the launch of Edged in Excellence: Becoming a Leading Professional, a biography documenting Okoroma’s personal, professional and spiritual journey.

The book, reviewed by Dr Emmanuel David Dorgbaa, FMCDI, FAIPC, Founder and Executive Director of the African Institute of Public Speaking and Communication Excellence (AIPSCE), was described as a blend of biography, personal testimonies, Christian teachings and professional documentation.

According to the organisers, the publication goes beyond celebrating Okoroma’s career, preserving lessons from his experience in engineering practice, entrepreneurship, leadership, faith and service.

The lecture also featured goodwill messages, awards and other activities celebrating professional excellence and Okoroma’s contribution to the engineering profession.