The 2nd Distinguished Annual Lecture hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Ilorin Branch spotlighted the pressing issue of Nigeria’s energy crisis, writes, Isqil Najim
The event, held on July 4th, 2024, brought together esteemed experts and stakeholders to discuss potential solutions and strategies to address this critical challenge.
Engr. Margaret Oguntala, President of the NSE, highlighted the pivotal role of the energy sector in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens. She lamented the detrimental impact of frequent power outages, inadequate infrastructure, and overreliance on fossil fuels on the nation’s development.
According to her, “Our nation stands at a critical juncture where the need for sustainable and reliable energy solutions has never been more urgent. The energy sector is the backbone of any thriving economy, and its stability directly impacts our national development, industrial growth, and the quality of life of our citizens.”
She added that the energy landscape in Nigeria has been fraught with challenges that have stymied our economic progress for far too long. “Frequent power outages, inadequate infrastructure, and an over-reliance on fossil fuels are just a few of the issues we must address to propel our nation forward.”
“Our technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and innovative mindset are invaluable assets in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. Let us seize this moment to make a lasting impact on our nation and leave a legacy of progress and prosperity for future generations,” she said.
The keynote speaker, Mallam Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, Director General of the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN), discussed the transformative potential of the Electricity Act. He stated that signing the Electricity Act into law by President Bola Tinubu is a game-changer in the energy sector and called on Nigerians to support the government for the development of the country.
In his lecture, the Guest Speaker, Professor Abubakar Sanni Sambo, a former Director General of the National Energy Commission, said the theme of the event is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He discussed extensively the challenges confronting the energy sector of the country, proposed workable solutions, and recommended that the NSE Ilorin Branch draft a communiqué from the 2nd Edition of the Lanre Sagaya Lecture and send it to relevant government agencies and stakeholders in the energy sector.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE Ilorin Branch, Engr. Taiwo Issa Olashehu, said the Branch chose to address contemporary issues related to the state of critical infrastructures in Nigeria to make impactful contributions for the socio-economic emancipation of the general public through the Distinguished Annual Lecture.
Olashehu outlined the reasons behind the institution of the Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya Annual Lecture series. According to him, “Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya, FNSE, FAEng, OFR, MFR, and Zanna Ilorin is being honored by the branch not only for his professional dexterity but also for his services to society in general.”
He revealed that Engr. Y. O. Sagaya demonstrated significant sacrifices for the engineers through his personal efforts and wealth of experience, which he freely made available to the progress of the Society. These include the successful acquisition of the plot for the branch secretariat, the continuous flow of ideas and financial support during the development of the structure, and his free expression of interest and goodwill to members.
Sagaya was a past president of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Nigeria (ACEN). The Executive Committee therefore had no objection to the nomination at the branch meeting for this deserving honor and feat to mark his birthday every 12th day of April.
On the themes of the Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya Annual lectures, Olashehu explained that the goal is to focus on the extensive practice of Engr. Sagaya, which is on critical infrastructural facilities.
Last year, the focus was on transportation infrastructure, which was competently addressed by Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, OFR, SAN, and Engr. K. A. Adeola, FNSE, FAEng.
The event was attended by eminent personalities – His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh. (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, represented by the Damazani of Ilorin, Engr. Yahaya Sulaiman Alapansanpa, FNSE, His Imperial Majesty, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Orumogege the third, His Royal Majesty, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti, FNITP, His Royal Highness, the Olokanle of Okanle, Oba Ismail Babatunde Dawodu-Kosolu Abioye.
The Distinguished Guest of Honour and President Dangote Group; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, was represented by Engr. Mansur Ahmed, OFR, FNSE, the Advisor to Group President, DANGOTE GROUP.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion includes – Chairman LUBCON Ltd, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, FNSE, FAEng mni, the Managing Partner, Fin Affairs Consulting Ltd U.K, Dr. Kazeem Olayimika Salaam, former Group Executive Director Refineries and Petrochemical, NNPC, Engr. Yunus Mustapha Yakubu, FNSE, former Registrar of JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, Chairman NSE Board of Fellows, Engr. Maliki Wopa Kamila, FNSE, FAEng, mni, Arc. Jamiu Faworaja, FNIA, Members of Golfers Club Kwara State, members of the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), members of the Kwara State Coalition of Business and Professional Associations (KWACOBPA), key stakeholders from the Energy Sector, Past Chairmen of NSE Ilorin Branch and Members, NSE Spouses Forum, ABU Alumni, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), Ilorin Eid Development and Management Committee, amongst others.