The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, NIMechE, has inaugurated a New Chapter in Abeokuta, Ogun State with Engr Adekunle Musa becoming its first Chairman, Isqil Najim writes.
Speaking at the event which held at NSE secretariat, Abeokuta, the pioneer chairman, Engr (Dr) Adekunle Ibrahim Musa promised to work closely with both government and non-government organisations on the need to employ professionalism in all engineering projects. 11th march 2021
Tracing the history of the chapter, Engr Musa said that “the journey of this chapter begin in December 2005 during the AGM/ National Engineering Conference of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) held in Kano, Kano State where Engr (Chief) Sina Egberongbe of blessed memory introduced myself and the today’s chief host Engr Mohammed Isola Abbass to Engr (High Chief) Akintunde Zedomi , then National President of the Mechanical Engineering division of the NSE. Engr Egberongbe gave us the mandate to form the Mechanical Engineering division in Abeokuta as soon as we returned back to Abeokuta. But all efforts to do this proved abortive.”
he said the idea for the Chapter formation was to later revived in 2013 with no positive outcome. Despite the challenges, members continue to push for the formation until 2018 when concrete efforts was solidified. and the Chapter was recognized in principle by the National Secretariat of NIMechE in Abuja.
continuing, “On the 18th December 2019, our keynote speaker, Engr (High Chief) Akintunde Zedomi approached me after I was decorated with fellowship of this great institution; permit me to quote his words “Engr Musa go and work on the inauguration of NIMechE Abeokuta Chapter and I want it to be done before the mid-year of 2020”. He said.
“On my returned back to Abeokuta, I begin to brainstorm on the modalities and approached to take. Few Mechanical Engineers around me begin the work immediately by forming the inauguration committee which was headed by Engr Lanre Adesusi. We agreed on the date of 29th May 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic stopped us. The inauguration committee never stopped working during the lockdown. Immediately the federal government ease the lockdown, another date was agreed which is today. Here we come.” he said.
While inaugurating the chapter, the national chairman, Engr (Professor) Mohammed Ndaliman, represented by the Depity National chairman, Engr Funmilade Akingbagbohun, advised the new chapter to focus on programmes that can enhance the capacity of members.
Ndaliman noted that with Abeokuta’s inauguration, the Institution’s chapters now stand at 29, and student chapters remain 32, all spread across the length and breadth of the country. and more to come.
Ndaliman said that “NIMechE is the premier Institution for professional Development, Knowledge acquisition and dissemination of Mechanical Engineering and allied discipline in Nigeria. It functions in the professional training and manpower development of its members (Engineers, Technicians and allied disciplines) and equip them with requisite skills for practicing.”
“I want to point out the various areas that new chapter should focus on, in order to progress rapidly. These include; regular monthly meetings, organizing workshops/trainings, mentoring of the budding members of the Institution and relating with both governmental and non-governmental organizations on the need to employ professionalism in all engineering projects. The need to embark of vigorous membership drive cannot be overstressed. The chapter should also take the welfare of members seriously.” he stressed.
In his lecture entitled: ‘Vocational Technical Education in the Current and Future of Mechanical Engineering’ the guest lecturer, Engr (Prof) M.A. Waheed, said the socio-economic development of Nigeria depends on the development of local engineering prowess which can be achieved by developing adequate multi-skilled manpower through vocational-technical education.
He, therefore, urged government to do more by providing qualitative education at all levels in the country.
Earlier, the keynote speaker and past national chairman of NIMechE, Engr High Chief Akintunde Zedomi, charged NIMechE to play a lead role towards the rejuvenation of vocational-technical education in Nigeria.
Other newly-inaugurated executive committee member of the chapter are vice chairman, Engr Akeem Ayonuga; General Secretary, Engr Lanre Adesusi; Assistant General Secretary, Engr Simon Victor; Technical Secretary, Engr (Dr) Mrs S.I. Kuye; Assistant Technical Secretary, Engr Olumide Akinpelu; Treasurer, Engr Bukola Olodeokuta; Financial Secretary, Engr Tunde Abiodun; Publicity Secretary, Engr Joseph Uti; Assistant Publicity Secretary, Engr (Dr) Ayodele Oke; ex–officio I, Engr M.I. Abbass and ex- officio II, Engr Titi Adeyemo.
The event climaxed with the presentation of awards on notable personalities for their outstanding contributions to the development of Mechanical Engineering in Ogun state and Nigeria as a whole, amongst whom were the state Director, Vehicle Inspector Officer, Engr Gboyega Ademehin; former speaker, Honourable Engr Suraj Isola Adekunbi; Ogun State Commissioner of Forestry, Honourable Engr Tunji Akinosi, former Ogun State Head of Service, Engr Olanrewaju Bisiriyu and past national chairman of NiMechE, Engr (High Chief) Akintunde Zedomi.