BY RITA OYIBOKA
ENGINEERS have been urged to explore opportunities in developing infrastructure to support electric vehicles in Nigeria as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based energy.
The charge was made at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Asaba Branch, held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The event marked a significant milestone in the branch’s calendar as it also saw the election of new executives and featured speeches from notable leaders within the engineering community.
In her address, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Oguntala expressed her delight at the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the AGM in advancing the society’s goals.
The President, represented by the Vice President (Collaboration and Linkages), Engr. Bemigho Ofoeyeno praised the outgoing executives, led by Chairman Engr. Felicia Avwenaghagha, for their dedication to the profession and their impactful contributions.
She noted the branch’s achievements in promoting engineering education, professional development, and community engagement, urging the members to elect leaders who embody the values of integrity, professionalism, and exclusivity.
Oguntala also highlighted the upcoming National Engineering Conference, scheduled to take place from November 18 to November 22 2024, in Abuja. The conference, themed “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change,” is expected to draw significant participation from engineers and other development stakeholders.
In her welcome speech, Engr. Felicia Avwenaghagha, who has served as Chairman since August 2022, reflected on her administration’s achievements over the past two years. She announced the branch’s successful move to more befitting office space within the Delta State Ministry of Works, an accomplishment made possible by the support of prominent engineers and branch fellows.
Avwenaghagha also recounted the branch’s advocacy efforts, which led to the approval of an enhanced entry level for engineers in the Delta State Civil Service. “I can proudly announce that engineers now come into the Delta State Civil Service on Salary Grade Level 9, as against 8 previously practised,” she said.
Looking forward, Engr. Avwenaghagha expressed optimism about the future of the NSE Asaba Branch, saying, “I know we shall have a peaceful election and transfer of power, which has always been a tradition in NSE Asaba. I also wish the new Exco well and a result-filled and peaceful tenure.”
A highlight of the AGM was a lecture presented by the Deputy Director of the Department of Land Transport, Delta State Engr. G.O. Oseta, titled “Overview of the Ministry of Transport in Delta State.”
The lecture provided an in-depth look into the Directorate of Transport’s strategic goals, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to providing Deltans with a sustainable, affordable, and safe transportation system. Engr. Oseta detailed the Directorate’s structure, comprising five professional departments, and outlined the ongoing and future projects aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure across the state.
