President Bola Tinubu has underscored the relevance of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, (NSE) in nation building, arguing that no nation can rise beyond the quality of its engineering profession.
Tinubu made the submission while declaring open the 2025 Nigerian Society of Engineers International Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The President who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Goronyo described the Engineering profession as one of the pillars that uphold the all rounds growth of the country.
He submitted that the NSE remains a strong pillar providing direction, training, advocacy, and quality assurance to the engineering ecosystem in Nigeria.
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“The theme of this year’s conference,” Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria”, could not have come at a better time, as our administration intensifies efforts to reposition Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
“Our administration has placed engineering innovation andinfrastructure renewal at the centre of our national transformation agenda.
“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are investing heavily in national road development, housing, energy infrastructure, water systems, climate-resilient agriculture, digital technology, and transportation networks.
“Furthermore, our agenda prioritises local engineering capacity, ensuring that young professionals have opportunities to participate meaningfully in nation-building projects.Our aim is clear: to make Nigeria a hub of engineering excellence in Africa, “he said.
The President and Chairman‑in‑Council of the NSE, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, in her opening remarks, said it was a deliberate policy of NSE to take its annual conference to different states in the country to bring it closer to members in the host location and to boost economy of the host state.
She lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his efforts and support in ensuring that 2025 conference recorded a remarkable successful.
The Conference Keynote Speaker, Hon. Isiaka Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said that it not a gainsaying that the Marine and Blue Economy sectors are driven by engineering, noting that national vision could not be realised without skills, creativity, and innovative solutions from engineers.
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Represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA), Olalekan Badmus, the Minister said that recent election of Nigeria into Category C of the International Maritime Organization marks a major diplomatic and technical milestone.
“It reafirms global confidence in Nigeria’s leadership, reforms, and commitment to safe, secure, and environmentally responsible shipping. This achievement also places greater responsibility on us to strengthen engineering capacity, innovation, and regional collaboration.
“Our 10-Year National Marine and Blue Economy Policy provides a pathway for unlocking value in fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, maritime transport, ocean energy, and coastal tourism.
“To fully harness these resources, we need engineers who can design modern fish harbours, build resilient coastal infrastructure, and deploy technologies that support sustainable growth, the future of this sector depends on Nigerian engineers, “he said.
The chief host of the conference, Gov. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his wife, Mrs Tamunominni Makinde, said that the quality of activities of the conference was a reminder of engineering values which include excellence, integrity, competency, and team work.
He added that the value represents the vital roles that engineering plays in shaping cities and enhancing national development.
The highlights of the event was conferment of fellowship awards to the wife of the Oyo state governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, and honour fellowship awards on other distinguished personalities.
