The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ado-Ekiti Branch, on Thursday convened top engineers, government officials, academics and local government representatives for its Award, Dinner and Public Lecture at the Branch Secretariat, urging collaborative efforts in building resilient public utilities infrastructure in Nigeria.
Present at the august event were representatives of the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, senior engineers including Engr. Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, Engr. Prof. IIesanmi Banjo Olufemi, Engr. Ekundayo, Engr. Benjamin, Engr. Adeola Johnson, Engr. Dr. Esan Awe and former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Oladebeye Dayo, as well as the Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Bosun Osaloni, among other dignitaries.
In his lecture themed: “Building Resilient Infrastructure for Public Utilities in Nigeria”, the former head of the Ekiti State Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Engr. Olumide Ayodeji Ajayi called on engineers to continue learning, adopt critical thinking, engage communities and share responsibilities in infrastructure projects.
He emphasized that public utilities such as electricity, water and gas must be accessible at all times and that infrastructure should be designed not only for reliability but to withstand shocks, climate change, and unforeseen challenges.
Ajayi harped on transparency, accountability and strict compliance with engineering codes and government standards, while urging engineers to use adaptive and innovative designs to support sustainable public utility services.
Ajayi further identified inadequate financing, poor data availability and limited technology as major constraints to resilient infrastructure development, advocating Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to share investment risks and strengthen financial resilience.
He added that engineers have a duty to support the government through data collection and planning to enhance infrastructure delivery.
“While resiliency has been seen as a challenge, we must see the opportunities in these challenges through innovative solutions, partnerships, community engagement, and shared responsibilities”. He added
The chairman of NSE Ado Ekiti branch, Engr. Tola Alawode, highlighted the importance of professional affiliation and continuous learning.
“If you graduate with a BEng or BTech without professional registration or affiliation, you limit yourself. Joining the Nigerian Society of Engineers provides mentorship, professional growth and the skills needed to excel in your career”. She added
The programme also featured the induction of 15 new corporate members, presentation of awards to Engr. Steve Tayo Oluwadun, Engr. Odetola, Joseph, Best Elder of the Branch, Engr. Bolaji Ogunleye, Engr. Lekan Taofik Ajijola and other outstanding members.
