By: Joy Odor/Abuja
The Executive Government of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Oluwaseyi Asiodun Makinde has called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to get active in politics or continue to remain as advisory tool in the hands of others.
Makinde made the call during his paper presentation as the Guest Lecturer at the 13th Fellowship Conferment Lecture and Ceremony of about 54 Fellows held in Abuja on Thursday, 12th December 2019.
According to him, if the future of Nigeria is industrialization, then the future of Nigeria is engineers, noting that engineers should stop remaining content with simply rendering advisory services.
Governor Makinde was of the opinion that it is his desire that the NSE takes the driver’s seat in turning out engineering graduates who have mastered the art of public policy and ready to go forth and make Nigeria greater.
“Engineers make themselves available to serve in an advisory capacity when invited. What l what to ask is that, what benefit is the advice when you do not have power to execute it.
“Engineers should not remain content with simply playing advisory roles. If you we want a place, we should build our own table, we need to get active in politics.
“It is time for NSE to put their money by developing a course along with institutions that emphasis the relationship between engineering and politics. This course will serve two purposes, one to ensure that when engineers decide to enter into politics, they do not come into oblivion of the bargains of politicking.
“Two, the course should serve as a reminder to engineering students that there is a link between engineering and public policy for a career so engineers can go into politics and get it right.
“If the future of Nigeria is industrialization, then the future of Nigeria is engineers. It is my wish that the NSE takes the driver’s seat in turning out engineering graduates who have mastered the art of public policy and ready to go forth and make Nigeria greater” Gov. Makinde stressed .
Earlier in his speech, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engineer Adekunle Mokuolu said about 54 engineers of distinction will become fellows of NSE and be joining the group of elite professionals in delivering valued services towards the development of the nation.
He advised Engineers to make themselves available to sufficiently apply engineering knowledge to provide purposeful leadership for the country to witness the desired economic growth.
“The Society through the fellows has done due diligence on every one of you and has considered your consistent track record of achievements in your chosen field of practice.
“Based on the board’s recommendation and subsequent approval by the NSE’s Council, you are here to be recognized as Senior Ambassadors of the NSE having been found worthy in practice and character.
“Upon your conferment as Fellows tonight, you will become members of the Society’s College of Follows and this will mark the commencement of a journey of responsibilities for every one of you.
“By your new position, you are duty bound to uphold and defend the standards and ethics of our Society.. It would be your responsibility to be role models for younger engineers and those that need inspiration to join the profession,” he said..
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Board of Fellows and College of Fellows, Engineer Felix Atume said it would be of great importance to the country to have Engineers venturing into political space.
According to him, it would be a catalyst for sustainable development for the nation if the engineers would do so.
“Tonight, a total of Fifty-four (54) Engineers who have distinguished themselves in the practice and promotion of Engineering will be conferred with Fellowship of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) which is the highest level any practicing Engineer in Nigeria can attain.
“I must state here that these eminent professionals are exceptional because the procedures for screening and assessment of Fellowship candidates have remained very thorough but fair.
“This is why even though the membership strength of the Society has risen to over 74,000, only approximately 3% of the membership figure has attained the Fellowship status.
“Being an Engineer in politics myself, I can tell you for free that it is of great importance to our country to have Engineers venturing into the political space.
“It is a sure catalyst for sustainable development for our dear nation,” he noted.
