President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Mrs Margaret Aina Oguntala has called for stronger collaboration between the government and engineering professionals for sustainable development.
She made the call yesterday at the conferment of fellowship on 116 deserving engineers and charged them to be the torchbearers of progress, the champions of quality, and the advocates for sustainable development.
She said, “Our nation stands at a critical juncture where the collaboration between government and professionals, particularly engineers, is essential for sustainable development.
“Our expertise is crucial in assisting federal, state, and local governments in tackling the numerous infrastructural challenges we face. Our input is invaluable in the design, construction, or maintenance of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, or energy systems.
We shall continue to offer our commitment and expertise to ensure that engineering projects are of the highest quality and meet the needs of our communities”.
Mrs Oguntala said the recent granting of financial autonomy to local government areas presents a unique opportunity for grassroots development.
The NSE president said that autonomy allows local governments to manage their finances directly and prioritise projects that will significantly impact the people.
“However, financial autonomy alone is not enough; it must be coupled with effective leadership and strategic planning”.
She, therefore, called on local government chairmen nationwide to rise to the occasion and prove their mettle by collaborating closely with engineers.
She added that sustainable infrastructure at the grassroots level cannot be overstated as it serves as a catalyst for economic growth, social development, and environmental stewardship.
As engineers, we have a fundamental role in designing and implementing infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities while preserving the planet for future generations. Together, we can ensure that funds are used efficiently and transparently to deliver quality infrastructure projects that meet the needs of our people.
We must advocate for and engage in partnerships with local governments to guide and oversee the implementation of engineering projects that will drive development at the grassroots level,“ she said.
She added „In our pursuit of development, let us maintain sight of the importance of quality and innovation. The engineering solutions we propose and implement must meet current standards and anticipate future needs. By doing so, we will address immediate challenges and lay a solid foundation for the future.“
The president reiterated that the conferment was a testament to their exceptional dedication, skill, and commitment to advancing engineering.
She added that the fellowship was not merely an acknowledgement of past achievements but a charge to continue serving with excellence and integrity.
It is imperative that you uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, serving as role models for the next generation of Engineers,“ she said.
In his welcome remarks, the chairman of the Board of Fellows of NSE, Engr. Maliki Kamila, said the 116 conferees have exhibited exceptional prowess in the field and advancement of engineering.
He said the accolade represents the pinnacle of achievement for any practising engineer in Nigeria.
These distinguished professionals are lauded for successfully navigating the rigorous screening and assessment process, which has always upheld the highest standards of integrity and fairness,“ he said.
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