Chairman, CPC media and publicity, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Nimeche) Olusesi Abayomi Oladunjoye; Chairman, Lagos Chapter (Nimeche) Omobayowa Erinle ; National Chairman (Nimeche), Alhassan Mohammed; Chairman, Conference Central Planning Committee , Vera Ntofon; National Vice Chairman (Nimeche) Dr. Uche Obiajulu, at Press briefing on the institution’s International Conference Exhibition and annual general meeting in Lagos.
National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE), Alhasan Mohammed, has reiterated zero-stance commitment towards eliminating activities of quacks in the practice of engineering in the country.
Mohammed stated this while speaking to journalists ahead of its international conference, exhibition and yearly general meeting, tagged, “Promoting sustainable blue economy through technological advancement-the mechanical engineering perspectives” in Lagos.
Mohammed said: “There are a lot of programmes done by the Council of Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to address the issues. We also act as foot soldiers of COREN in tackling the problem. Some of those practising at a lower level, such as artisans, craftsmen, technologists and technicians, COREN is trying to register them and get them licenced.”
He explained that as the Federal Government moves to diversify the economy and harness the enormous potential of the marine and ocean-based resources for national prosperity, the role of mechanical engineers in the manufacturing of equipment could not be overemphasised.
“The blue economy represents the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and environmental health. It covers a wide spectrum of activities, including maritime transport, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal tourism, shipbuilding, waste management and marine biotechnology. Nigeria, with its extensive coastline of over 850 kilometres, rich inland waterways, and strategic maritime location, has immense potential in this sector,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed lauded the foresight of the Federal Government in creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, adding that it was a bold and visionary move that underscores the government’s commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development.
He further said mechanical engineers had a major role to play in actualising this vision through innovation in ship design and maintenance, marine propulsion systems, offshore energy technologies, water desalination, and environmental sustainability solutions.
The chairman pointed out that the pioneer and serving Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, among other professionals, would deliver a keynote speech at the four-day forum, commencing today.
The conference, he said, would feature technical paper presentations on sustainable blue economy technologies; discussions involving industry experts, policymakers, academia and technical exhibitions showcasing innovations from local and international companies.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Conference Planning Committee, Mrs Vera Ntofon, reaffirmed that mechanical engineering is the bedrock of all engineering and development, as the practitioners are critical to equipment production, the manufacturing sector and the overall sustainable economic growth.
Ntofon said the conference would ensure the sharing of ideas on innovation that could lead to the manufacturing of new equipment that could help the economy adapt to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reduce pollution, and enhance fishing practice without destruction of the ecosystem.
