Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) has urged the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NiMechE) to support Nigeria in becoming an energy-sufficient country and an energy hub for Africa.
Malam Mele Kyari, Group Director General, NNPC unveiled this on Thursday in Abuja at the Inauguration of Ms. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, as the 15th National President of NiMechE.
Kyari, Adetunji Representative, Group Executive Director, Downstream, NNPC, said Nigeria’s development and industrialization was linked to NiMechE’s contributions to all critical sectors of the economy.
“As the world moves towards the energy transition, to address climate change issues, I want to challenge you to do your best to support the industry and Nigeria to become a country that not only serves Nigerians but to act as an energy hub for Africa.
“To maximize our potential as an oil and gas industry and country, improve and develop technologies to optimize value, we need experts like mechanical engineers to provide the necessary support,” said Kyari.
Mechanical Engineers in Nigeria
Praising the institute for its achievements in the country and its contributions to the oil and gas industry, he called for more professional development opportunities for members in the new term.
Kyari implored the new national president and his inaugurated executive committee to commit to rebuilding strong networks and putting excellence at the institute and the entire engineering family in new perspective.
“She brings a wealth of experience from practice and also from the various roles she has held. I believe that she will take the organization to a greater height.
“Special things happen when women lead organizations,” Kyari said.
According to him, the NNPC is blessed with a population of around 750 mechanical engineers and mechanical technicians.
However, he appreciated the work of the mechanical engineers and added that they were not taken for granted.
The Nigerian News Agency reports that the highlights of the event were the inauguration by NIMEchE student chapter executives and presentations by pests to some dignitaries for their exemplary leadership and contribution to the sector.
Recipients include the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the Deputy Governor for Operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Fola Shonubi, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwolu, and the CEO/GMD of NNPC, Mele Kyari, among others.
Akingbagbohun is the Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ikeja Branch and the first President of NiMechE, Lagos Chapter.
Akingbagbohun, a registered COREN, is a member of NSE, NIMEchE, the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers and a member of several other Akingbagbohun associations. (NAN)