The remains of the Foundation President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Chief Geoffrey Osatohanmwen Aiwerioba, FNSE, OON was laid to rest in his residence at 39, Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City on Friday, 8th August, 2014 after the funeral service at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Sokponba Road, Benin City.
A large number of Engineers turned out in Benin during the period to pay their last respect to the late sage and father of engineering. The delegation from the National Headquarters, which included the Deputy President, Engr. Otis O. Anyaeji, FNSE and the three Vice Presidents – Engr. Adekunle Mokuolu, FNSE (Membership Services), Engr. Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, FNSE (Corporate Resources & Media) and Engr. Babagana Mohammed, FNSE (Professional Development), was led by the President, Engr. Ademola Isaac Olorunfemi, FNSE. The President’s entourage was further bolstered when Chairmen, EXCO members and other senior Engineers from Benin, Warri, Ekpoma and Asaba Branches of the Society met with the delegation from Abuja at the airport upon arrival.
The late Engr. Chief Geoffrey Osatohanmwen Aiwerioba, FNSE, OON, died at the age of 98 years.
May his kind soul rest in peace, Amen.
Engr. Chief. Geoffrey Osatohanmwen Aiwerioba, a Civil Engineer founded the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE and became its first NSE president on 16 February 1958. He has worked for a Consulting Civil Engineering firm in United Kingdom and became the first Nigerian Engineer to be a corporate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK.
Born in Edo state on January 15, 1919. His educational journey covers; Baptist School, Benin City, 1927-34; Eweka Memorial School, Benin City, 1934-38; Government College, Ibadan, 1939-44; University of London, 1952-56; Public Works Department Technical School, Lagos, 1946-49.
He was Third Class Clerk, Commissioner of Colony’s Office, Lagos; Designer, Engineer, Sir Frederick S. Show and Partners (Consulting Engineers), London, 1956-58; Federal Resident Engineer in charge of Lapamwa Bridge, Lagos Main Road, 1958-59; Deputy Town Engineer, Lagos City Council 1959-60; Senior Executive Engineer in charge of Airfield Bridge Design, 1961-63; ChiefCivil Engineer, Midwest Region, 1965- 69; Controller of Works Services, Midwest Region, 1969-73; ps: Controller of Works Services, Midwest Region, 1973-75; ch/md: Osaghae Development Enterprises Limited, since 1977; Founder, Nigerian Society of Engineers in London, 1958;
His professional memmebrship includes: Institute of Civil Engineers, London, 1958; American Society of Civil Engineers, Washington, USA, 1964; Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington, USA; American Concrete Institute, Detroit, USA., 1964; f: Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos, 1970, Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, Washington, USA 1972; mm: International Road Federation, 1964; ch: Nigeria Road Federation, 1984-97.