The Special Adviser to Lagos Governor, Office of Works, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, FNSE, has charged Engineers to leverage on the endless opportunities of the Strategic position of Lagos State as one of the fastest growing economies in the world to be solution providers; writes, Isqil Najim.
He was speaking at the recent Public Lecture and fellowship Conferment organised by the the Nigeria Institution of Facilities Engineering and Management, under the leadership of Engr Oladipupo Mabogaje on April 27, 2024 in Lagos.
Speaking through Bldr Thomas Adeoye, Dr Olayinka praised the Institution for showing leadership and a spirit of excellence which has seen engineers engage in several nation-building activities across the country.
He said that Lagos’s recognition of the importance of Asset and Facilities management led to the establishment of Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA) under the supervision of Office of Works.
He added that Lagos State Government, will continue to maintain the available infrastructure and provide a conducive environment to accommodate the growing and shifting population in the State. This way the state aims to preserve the quality of individual infrastructure assets.
“For us as a government, our target is to facilitate Strategic investment in Infrastructure that will produce the foundation for long–term growth” as such investment would generate strong economic base for the productivity, increase employment and foster innovation. “This is why in Lagos State, maintenance spending is recorded separately as a major expenditure item and not subsumed within other spending lines.” He added.
He called on Engineers and stakeholders to explore the opportunities in Public/Private Partnership. According to him, “there still exists limited participation by the private sector in infrastructural development due to political, economic, legal, environmental and safety issues.”
“Lagos State is open to collaboration with interested investors to support the ongoing efforts of this administration to effect key reforms in transportation, environment, public infrastructure and tourism sectors to further put the State on a sound footing for economic growth and development.” He said.
“While I commend the Institution for its deliberate efforts to promote professionalism in facility management, the Institution must also rise to the challenge to be the change agents that would identify and deliver a deliberately developed nation of our dreams.”
“All hands must be on deck to share and support vision of the Government at all levels as they channel our common resources to the enviable parts for growth and development of our Nation.” he concluded.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr Margaret Oguntala, represented by former Chairman of lkeja branch of the Society, Engr. Olutosin Ogunmola, explained that infrastructure maintenance is crucial to the development of Nigerian society. She urged Nigerian leaders to not only be concerned about infrastructure deficit but plan for sustainability of the assets.
Earlier in his address, the National chairman of the Institution, Engr Oladipupo Mabogaje, a fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, said that the theme of the Public lecture, “Implementation of the National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy: The Dynamics, Prospects, and Challenges.” was deliberately chosen to address national question.
He said that Infrastructure is the backbone of any country’s development. “It is the roads we travel, the bridges we cross, the buildings we inhabit, and the utilities that sustain our daily lives. However, the sustainability and functionality of this infrastructure depend heavily on maintenance policies and practices.” He said
He said that the National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy “is not just a mere document; it embodies our commitment to ensuring the longevity, safety, and efficiency of our national infrastructural network system.”
We must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. From the need for robust funding mechanisms to the imperative of skilled workforce development, from the urgency of climate change adaptation to the imperative of maintaining equity and accessibility in infrastructure provision, there are multifaceted challenges that demand our attention and concerted action.
Managing Director of Atlas Proligenics Limited, Babajide Soyode, also spoke at the event.
In attendance at the event are the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) ikeja Branch ,Engr Femi John Adedotun; South west Chapter Chairman (NIFEngM) Engr Oluwafemi Anuoluwadiji ; Past Chairman of Nigerian institute Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) Lagos Chapter. Engr Olalekan Olabode; Bldr Adeoye Thomas Engr Olutosin Ogunmola ; Engr Babajide Soyode; National Chairman (NIFEngM) Engr. Oladipupo Mabogaje; Mr Paul Erubami and Engr Abiodun Olaniyan, Bldr Adeoye Thomas Engr Olutosin Ogunmola (Representing the NSE President); Engr Babajide Soyode; Mr Paul Erubami and Engr Abiodun Olaniyan; Engr (Dr) Funmilade Akingbagbohun; Engr Zansi Adebowale, Engr Adeoye Ajayi ; Deputy National Chairman (NIFEngM), Engr Christopher Egwuatu, , Engr Adewale Abdul; Engr Charles Akintola, Former Chairman of NSE ikeja; Engr Adhekovwigho Emuejevoke; Engr Agemekien Onome; Executive Director Marine &Operations Nigerian Ports Authority, Engr Dr Joel Ogunyemi and Engr. Nimot Muili, of Arup Nigeria.
