NSE lauds Okpebholo’s infrastructure drive

…Inducts 42 new members, honours outstanding Edo students

BENIN CITY – The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Benin Branch, at the weekend held the 9th Annual Late Engr. Geoffrey Aiwerioba Public Lecture Series, where it commended the infrastructural development drive of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The event, which attracted engineers from the national headquarters of the NSE, sister branches across Edo, Delta and other states, also featured the presentation of scholarships to four outstanding students from public schools in Edo State who excelled in a competitive Computer-Based Test (CBT) organised for public schools in the state.

Two students from Ogbe Primary School, Balogun Divine and Omosefe Osayemwenre tied for first place, while another student from the same school, Abhulimen Ofure came second. A student of Akenzua Secondary School, Eze Joseph secured third position.

The NSE also inducted 42 new members into its fold, who thereafter subscribed to the relevant oath of office.

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu in his remarks paid a glowing tribute to the late Engr. Geoffrey Aiwerioba, describing him as a visionary whose commitment to indigenous engineering practice laid the foundation for the profession in Nigeria 68 years ago.

The NSE President said that the annual lecture had evolved beyond a routine event into a platform for advancing engineering excellence and national development.

He commended the Benin Branch for sustaining the legacy of the society’s founding coordinator and pioneer president, whose dedication to professionalism and service continues to inspire generations of engineers.

According him, Aiwerioba and his contemporaries established the society with the vision of building an industrialised Nigeria driven by indigenous expertise and professional excellence.

He said that the late engineer’s advocacy for a recognised engineering institution in Nigeria often brought him into confrontation with the colonial administration and local authorities, but his sacrifices ultimately created opportunities for future generations of Nigerian engineers.

He noted that this year’s lecture themed, “Infrastructure Delivery through Engineering Governance in Edo State,” was timely, stressing that sustainable infrastructure requires, not only physical construction, but also sound governance, ethical standards, accountability and the engagement of certified engineers from project conception to completion.

While acknowledging the infrastructural renewal efforts of the Edo State Government, the NSE President urged the administration to continue creating an enabling environment for indigenous engineers to thrive, insisting that no nation achieves lasting development by relying solely on foreign expertise.

He charged members of the NSE Benin Branch to remain watchdogs of engineering standards and position themselves as trusted partners in the state’s development process.

Chairman of the NSE, Benin Branch, Engr. Tina Oigiagbe, on her part, said the lecture series is a platform to honour the enduring legacy of the late Engr. Aiwerioba, whose contributions to the engineering profession and national development remain a source of inspiration to generations of engineers.

She said the theme of the lecture is particularly relevant as it seeks practical solutions to accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life of the people through sound engineering governance.

The Benin Branch Chairman lauded the visionary leadership of the National President of the NSE, Engr. Rabiu, saying it has continued to strengthen the engineering profession across the country.

According to her, the Benin Branch has remained committed to educational development and youth empowerment through the conduct of the 4th NSE Benin Branch Scholarship Programme for public secondary school students within the Benin metropolis.

She said the programme was designed to identify and reward academically gifted, but indigent students while stimulating interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“Through scholarships, mentorship opportunities and public recognition, the initiative seeks to nurture future engineers, innovators and leaders,” she said.

Guest lecturer and Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Mrs Phoebe Williams Bello, who was also honoured with an award, paid tribute to Governor Monday Okpebholo for recognising the place of engineering in the construction of critical infrastructure.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture, she highlighted key projects executed by the state government, including the construction of roads across the three senatorial districts, ultra-modern markets and flyovers.

Noting that feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments should precede project implementation, she said execution should leverage technology to strengthen engineering governance, adding that project monitoring should be aimed at enhancing quality service delivery rather than fault-finding.

“Every engineer must uphold professional ethics and mentor the next generation of engineers,” she said, urging members to renew their commitment to the profession through engineering excellence and promote a culture of preventive maintenance.

She also charged contractors not to sacrifice quality for speed, stressing that they must remain accountable for projects executed.

Daughter of the late Engr. Aiwerioba, Miss Kehinde Aiwerioba, in a chat with newsmen, commended the NSE for sustaining the legacy of her late father through the annual lecture series.

Commending the NSE for creating the platform for mentoring experts in STEM and professional engineers, Principal of Akenzua Secondary School, Mr Mike Ipogah appreciated NSE for creating the enabling environment for students in public schools to showcase their potential and therefore prayed for the sustenance.