Tinubu tasks engineers on service, industralisation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to serve the country with sharp minds and skilled hands to make it a hub of great infrastructure and industrialisation.

Tinubu made the assertion Wednesday at the 2024 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja.

Represented by Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo urged  them to reflect on “our shared belief that, with skilled hands, sharp minds, and a strong sense of purpose, we can engineer a better, more prosperous Nigeria.”

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According to the President, “It is premised on the fact that engineering is at the heart of progress in today’s world, where technology and innovation are constantly reshaping industries, economies, and lives.

“Engineers are not just builders; they are problem solvers, creators, and the architects of our future. They attest to the array of bright and most passionate crop of engineers in Nigeria, and the administration is committed and  determination to strengthen infrastructure and industrial growth.”

He listed the administration’s goals to strengthen infrastructure as a foremost priority to build and sustain resilient development that will meet the demands of a growing population and a dynamic economy.

“We’ll promote sustainable energy solutions, empower  Nigerian Engineers to foster innovation, which are the core of every great nation as a skilled workforce, and focus on creating opportunities for professionals within the sector,” he added.

Tinubu called for partnerships with educational institutions and the private sector in supporting the profession by creating an environment that will establish the National Engineering and Innovation Fund, a novel initiative designed to provide grants and resources to Engineers and Technologists.

“With this Fund, we are aiming to support local innovations, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of engineering advancement in Africa,” he said.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in a goodwill message stressed on the aptness of the theme as aligning with Nigeria’s economic blueprint, underscoring the vital role of engineering in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the critical role of engineering in achieving sustainable food systems, which align with the Government’s priority to combat food production challenges.

Also, the President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, highlighted the relevance of the theme, “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change” and detailed the society’s initiatives and achievements during the period under review.

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Oguntala also outlined NSE’s efforts to empower young engineers through training in data analytics, software development, and smart farming. She also revealed plans for an engineering village and demonstration farms to showcase modern agriculture techniques and renewal energy applications.

In a contribution, the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, drummed up the importance of engineering in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges, calling on them to adopt leadership models that prioritize merit and integrity, drawing from global examples, like China’s leadership selection system.

He also encouraged the application of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, to address critical national issues.