Ogun deputy governor urges FG to empower engineers for national development

• Says no sustainable economic advancement without engineering innovation

Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has called on the Federal Government to give adequate recognition to and empower engineers to be the architects of change capable of enhancing the economic, infrastructural, and technological development of Nigeria.

Salako-Oyedele, who stated that no country in the world has achieved sustained economic advancement without harnessing the power of engineering and innovation, declared that Nigeria, with its vast resources and entrepreneurial spirit, has all the ingredients necessary for industrial and technological transformation.

She, however, noted that for the country to fully realise the desired technological development and advancement, the government must create an environment where engineering excellence, research, and innovation can thrive, translating into real economic impact.

The deputy governor made this call in her keynote address at the official inauguration of Olumayowa Ayodeji Idowu as the 17th Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch, and the swearing-in of the new Executive Committee and induction of new corporate members, held at the weekend in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Salako-Oyedele, a Fellow of the NSE, noted that she was excited about the theme of the event, titled Fostering Industrial Growth and National Development: The Role of Engineering and Innovation in Driving Nigeria’s Economic Transformation, pointing out that it reflected the critical role engineering and innovation play in shaping Nigeria’s economy.

While reiterating that engineering has always been at the heart of economic progress, she added: “From infrastructure to technology, from industrialisation to digital transformation, engineers build the systems that drive growth.

“Nigeria, with its vast resources and entrepreneurial spirit, has all the ingredients necessary for industrial and technological transformation. However, to fully realise our potential, we must recognise and empower engineers as the architects of this change. We must create an environment where engineering excellence, research, and innovation can thrive, translating into real economic impact,” she noted.

The deputy governor stated further that though Nigeria’s industrial sector has seen growth in key areas such as manufacturing, construction, and energy, several challenges—such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to technology and innovation, workforce development, and policy and regulatory bottlenecks—still hinder the nation’s full potential.

“Despite these challenges, we have seen success stories in industries such as cement production, telecommunications, agribusiness, and now petrochemicals, proving that with the right approach, engineering can drive large-scale industrial growth.

“To truly foster industrial growth and national development, we must prioritise engineering and innovation in key areas such as infrastructure development as a foundation for industrialisation; technology and digital transformation in manufacturing; renewable energy and sustainable industry practices; research, development, and collaboration between industry and academia; and skills development and capacity building.

“For Nigeria to become an industrial powerhouse, we must bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. Universities, research institutes, and engineering bodies must work closely with industries to develop solutions that are relevant, cost-effective, and scalable,” Salako-Oyedele submitted.

She congratulated the NSE Abeokuta Branch Chairman and his new executive members, tasking them with ensuring a transformative impact of engineering and innovation on national development.

“As engineers, we must rise to the occasion. Be problem-solvers, not just practitioners. Embrace innovation and continuous learning, and advocate for engineering leadership in national development,” the deputy governor concluded.

In his inaugural speech, Idowu said his leadership would continue to redefine engineering excellence by engineering the future in Abeokuta and Ogun State.

“Our strategic priorities include enhancing capacity development, strengthening industry and government collaborations, expanding membership engagement, advancing engineering advocacy, increasing community impact and publicity, and secretariat development,” the new NSE Abeokuta Branch Chairman stated.