Ikeja branch of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has inaugurated its 16th Chairman, Nimot Muili, making her the third woman to hold the position and solidifying her role after serving in an acting capacity since August 2024.With the theme: “Innovation for Tomorrow: Connecting Resilient Infrastructure with the Blue Economy to Achieve a Lagos Smart City,” the event drew stakeholders from engineering, academia, finance, and government.
Outgoing Chair, John Adedotun, in his address, reflected on his three-year tenure. “Whatever has a beginning must have an end,” he said, leading the audience in a song of thanksgiving.
He highlighted key achievements, including a 35 per cent increase in membership, hosting of technical events, and implementation of 10-year NSE Ikeja Master Plan. “Our administration established the Boss Car Contribution Scheme, undertook international technical tours to Europe, and intensified capacity building for young engineers,” he said.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you keep moving,” Adedotun advised the new executives.
Muili, who had been serving in an acting, said: “This position is a reflection of how far we’ve come and a commitment to building an engineering culture that contributes meaningfully to growth”, she said in her inaugural address.
Visibly moved, Muili paid tribute to her predecessors, particularly the sixth and fourteenth chairmen, for their mentorship and foundational work. “Thank you for the support and for being present today. Your presence means the world,” she added.
In her opening address, the National President of the NSE and Chairman in council, Engr. Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala, described the event as a landmark in the Society’s history. “I warmly congratulate Engr. Muili and the newly elected executive committee members. This inauguration marks a landmark moment and reflects the growing confidence in female leadership within the engineering profession,” she said.
She emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting that Muili becomes the third female chairman of the branch. “It’s a proud moment, not just for women, but for engineering excellence in Nigeria,” she said.
Oguntala acknowledged the contributions of dignitaries present, including Special Guest of Honour Otunba Kunle Ismail and guest speaker Dr. George Thorpe, as well as her own “woman battalion,” singling out Vice President Engr. Dr. Felicia Kineni for her passion and potential to rise further.
Commending the event’s theme, Oguntala noted that Lagos’ transition to a smart city requires bold innovation and inclusive infrastructure planning. “Mentorship is key. We must nurture the next generation of engineers with vision and purpose,” she said.
She urged the new executives to embrace the NSE Strategic Agenda, which includes STEM education, community-based engineering, and collaboration with traditional leaders.
She also called attention to low membership dues compliance, stressing that only financially up-to-date members would be listed in the upcoming NSE directory.
Oguntala concluded by inviting members to the NSE International Conference in December, themed “Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy.” “This conference remains the largest engineering gathering in sub-Saharan Africa,” she stated.
A highlight of the day was a presentation by systems thinker Dr. George Thorpe, who unveiled findings from a recent stakeholder survey exploring Lagos’ path toward smart city status.
Drawing from 20 expert responses, the survey identified five key priorities including data-driven infrastructure, integrated transportation systems, innovation and entrepreneurship, smart energy solutions and collaborative governance.
“Transportation emerged as the most urgent issue. With such a massive population, we can’t afford to ignore its foundational role in economic productivity,” said Thorpe.
Conversely, the survey flagged gaps in smart governance, tech-enabled public administration, and waste management. “Every city must recognize its operational limits. For Lagos to thrive, we must channel our skills and sectors toward one unified goal,” he added.
The full report will be circulated in coming weeks as a roadmap for future action.
The ceremony was graced by an array of dignitaries including Gbobaniyi of Wasimi, Otunba Kunle Ismail; former Special Adviser on Infrastructure to the Lagos State Governor, Engr. Aramide Adeoye; Chairman of Ove Arup & Partners Nigeria Limited, Engr. Kunle Adebajo; Executive Director of Marine Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Engr. Abdul-Rahman Badmus; and Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul.
NSE Ikeja branch was initiated by the former secretary general of NSE, Engr, Olu Awoyinfa, and the formation came into reality in July 1992.
The event was not only a celebration of leadership but also a rallying call for innovation, sustainability, and strategic engineering solutions to power Lagos into the future.
As one participant aptly stated, “Without a clear smart city vision, infrastructure becomes an imposition, not an enabler. But now, with input from engineers and thought leaders, we’re beginning to see the shape of the future Lagos.”
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Chinyere Okoroafor
Quelle/Source: The nation, 27.05.2025
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