Sanwo-Olu Pledges Continued Support For Innovation,  Excellence In Engineering

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, has restated that his administration remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote excellence and innovation in all sectors, particularly the engineering sector.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his Deputy dropped this hint while speaking at the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Lagos Regional Engineering Stakeholders Summit, with the theme;  ‘Restructuring and Reforms,’ in Lagos.

He said that this commitment will build a Lagos and a Nigeria that is not only resilient but also sustainable and inclusive.

He pointed out that the state government recognises the success of infrastructure projects and industrial goals which depends heavily on the competence and integrity of the engineers.

“We are also committed to creating an enabling environment for engineers to thrive. This includes investing in capacity-building programs, fostering public-private partnerships, and leveraging technology to address the challenges of urbanization and climate change.”

Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu noted that engineering is the backbone of any nation’s progress, while emphasizing that it is the driving force behind industrialization, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

The Governor thereby urged engineers to embrace the opportunities presented by COREN’s reforms and expanded regulatory framework,  stressing that their role in nation-building cannot be overstated.

While advising the engineers, the Governor noted that as they innovate and design solutions to pressing challenges, they should be reminded that their work has the power to transform lives and shape the future of the country.

He stated that his government will continue to collaborate with COREN and other stakeholders to ensure that engineering practice in Nigeria meets global standards.

Engr. Sadiq Abubakar, President, COREN earlier In his address,  reaffirmed the council’s unweaving commitment to engineering excellence, regulatory efficiency, and national development driven by the strategic roadmap for the transformation of the engineering profession in Nigeria.

He noted that COREN’s vision is to establish a world-class engineering regulatory body that fosters professionalism, innovation, and compliance.

“In pursuit of this, COREN has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring process guided by the Engineers Registration Act (as amended) 2018 for enhanced engineering education, training, and ethical practice enforcement.”

Abubakar, stressed that to drive the reforms effectively, COREN has established and empowered the Role of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) to serve as a key organ for compliance and enforcement at the regional level.

Engr. Ibikunle Ogunbayo, Chairman, Lagos Regional Steering Committee LRSC, in his welcome address, said that the summit is to brief members of COREN about the new direction of COREN, following the recent passage of the Law which has expanded the scope of activities of the Council, which is aimed at enhancing the role of COREN in the Regulation of Engineering in the development of the nation.

According to him, “The structure and operations of the new Regional Steering Committees, which is intended to bring COREN’s regulatory activities closer to the parts of the nation, will be explained and it is hoped that this will lay the framework for closer relationships between COREN and all Engineering personnel and all those who utilize the services of these Engineering Personnel.”