By Isqil Najim
The Nigerians in Diaspora has been advised to mobilise toward National Development and contribute their quota to the advancement and progress of Nigeria. Just as the Manchester Business Community have expressed readiness to contribute more to Africa through investment and Corporate Social Responsibilities.
Leading the call was H.E. Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, Nigerian High Commissioner to UK. He spoke during the Public Lecture, Dinner & Northern powerhouse stakeholders event organised by The Nigerian Society of Engineers Manchester (UK) Branch, held at Hyatt Regency Manchester, 55 Booth Street West, Manchester, M15 6PQ on 22nd July 2023.
According to Ambassador Isola “The diaspora community strongly holds the key to our (Nigeria) national development.”, he went on to say “The day the diaspora community is ready for Nigeria to develop, it shall develop. Why? Because of the knowledge and exposure that exist here.”. He called on greater unity and networking amongst Nigerians both home and abroad to work toward common goals.
He commended the chairman of Nigerian society of Engineers Manchester Engr. Patrick Obidoyin and his executives for organising the event and for being positive role models among Nigerians in Diaspora.
The public lecture was organised to build Partnerships between the Nigerian society of Engineers Manchester leadership, NSE professionals in the North of England and stakeholders within the Northern Powerhouse to accelerate National Development and assist Nigeria to further diversify and grow the non-oil sector.
The Guest Speaker at the event was Profess Bamidele Adebisi, a Professor in Intelligent Infrastructure Systems at Manchester Metropolitan University.
He presented a paper titled, “Smart Systems and industry 4.0: Increasing the value and productivity of manufacturing.”
In his address, Prof. Bamidele Adebisi noted that in context of modern technology, man can practically achieve anything he sets out to do for positive change. According to him: “Humans are powerful, and we can harness this power to change everything for good.”
He explained the role of emerging technologies, particularly the Artificial Intelligence, AI in achieving more efficient productivities in manufacturing sector. He noted advancement of Generative AI will further lead to integration to trade, manufacturing energy among others. According to him, “The world is not going to be about mass production. It is going to be about customization.”. He dwelled on the importance of emerging Technologies like the Artificial intelligence in development and emerging future of manufacturing.
The topic was aimed at gathering momentum as part of the International Conference and Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the Nigerian society of Engineers AGM coming up in Abuja in November. with this year’s theme: Re-Engineering the Manufacturing Sector For Competitiveness and Enhanced Economic Growth.
The day the diaspora community is ready for Nigeria to develop, it shall develop. Why? Because of the knowledge and exposure that exist here. -Amb. Sarafa Tunji Isola
Also speaking at the event, the CEO of British Africa Business Alliance Mr. David Smith remarked that “Nigeria needs to grow 5 times to reach world average in terms of GDP per head.”
He added Manchester Business community are ready to invest in Africa and contribute toward attaining the development growth. He outlined the contributions of the City of Manchester to Africa. According to him, there are about 13,400 business professionals with links to Africa. And about 3,500 EMEA managers in Manchesterwho have cooperate responsibility to Africa.
According to Chairman Planning Committee, Engr. Dr. John Habila Mormi, various professionals, leaders, diplomats and business community members attended the event. Some of the dignitaries present at the event were Councilor Professor Erinma Bell MBE, elected Councilor of Manchester City Council & Peace activist, Engr. Dr. Obuks Ejohwomu, Pioneer Chairman & Immediate Past Chairman of, NSE Manchester Branch, Otunba Femi Okutubo, CEO Trumpet media group UK, Mrs. Chantelle Tindall Trumpet media bureau chief for North of England, Mr. Akin Ande CEO Tekinlologi UK.
Others are, Mr. C. N. Okeke – Minister Counsellor at Nigeria High Commission London, Mr. Raphael OGUNRINDE – CEO CALYX DRINKS, Mr. Muniru M Mai, Chief Innovation Officer, Research Technology Innovation (RTI), NNPC Ltd, Otunba Olaniyi James Olatomiwa , Director RTI, Mrs. Yinka Seriki CEO UK Together, Mrs. Patricia Ehis CEO North2East Invest, Engr. Kenneth Oronsaye MD Sackville Engineering, Engr. Dr. Habila Mormi John, Dr. Mohammed Ngala, Dr. Akeem Babatunde and Chief Goke Oladosu.
Joining virtually was Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi , Branch Patron and Past President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ademola Agoro CEO Protogy Global, Engr. Adeleye Adeyemi & Ferdinand Ukaigwe.
Others include, Mrs Yetunde Adebisi, Mrs. Stephanie Obidoyin, Mr Abubakar Mudi, Mr Abdullahi Abubakar, Ms Ebelechukwu Chiatula, Dr. Dare Seriki, Dr. Bode Williams, Miss Nike Ogunjobi, Engr. Saheed Shittu, Dr. Robert Ataria, Engr. Dr. Lilian Iheukwumere-Esotu, Engr. Joseph Ediae, Engr. Tai Fadipe-Davids, Dr. Adeyanju Teslim-Balogun, Dr. Ibrahim Sanusi, Dr. Mutiu Alabi-Bello, Engr. Obianuju Okwusoga, Engr. James Olajuwon, Engr. Lateef Sanusi, Dr. Ajani Ayodeji Ajani, Engr. Yussuff Shoyoye, Mr. Adeola Adebisi, Engineer Colman Nwigwe & Dr. Chris Ejeh.
Distinguished Award to Dignitaries
The event was rounded up with awards presented by chairman of Nigerian society of Engineers Manchester EUR ING. Patrick Obidoyin as well as His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola -Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom to deserving nominees.
- Engr. Ademola Agoro, FNSE was voted as the most impactful engineer For Considerable Leadership and Mentoring of Young Engineers
- Engr. Laura Uhiara, MNSE was voted as the most impactful engineer For Promoting Members Welfare
- Engr. Adeleye Adeyemi, MNSE received award of excellence For Outstanding Contribution to the Branch
- Engr.Dr. Lilian Iheukwumere-Esotu, MNSE received award of excellence For Outstanding Contribution to the Branch
- Engr. Dr. Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo, MNSE received award of excellence For Outstanding Contribution to the Branch
- Engr. Dr. Adeyanju Teslim-Balogun, MNSE received award of excellence For Outstanding Contribution to the Branch
- Engr. Prof. Bamidele Adebisi received a certificate of appreciation for delivering the Guest lecture titled: Smart systems and Industry 4.0: increasing the value and productivity of manufacturing
His Excellency Dr. Christopher Edordu, Pioneer President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank received a lifetime achievement award For Contribution to the Development of the African Continent
H.E. Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR received a certificate of appreciation for his fatherly role in galvanising diaspora professionals.
The event was sponsored by Protogy Global services Limited, Calyx drinks, North2East Invest, Psaltry International, Sackville Engineering and UK Together.
Additional information by Engr. Dr. John Habila Mormi,
