The Nigerian Society of Engineers said it has dedicated its diaspora branches to support members seeking opportunities abroad to attract development to Nigeria.

President/Chairman-in-Council of NSE, Margaret Oguntala, made this known on Wednesday while addressing the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria Board meeting hosted by the NSE in Lagos.

 Ms Oguntala, an engineer, said that since the ‘Japa’ syndrome cannot be stopped, the NSE had embraced it by reinterpreting ‘JAPA’ to mean: ‘Jet Abroad, Professionally Advance.’

 She urged other professional bodies to devise strategies to elevate the profile of Nigerian professionals globally, to showcase their expertise and drive national progress.

 “It is crucial for us to showcase our professionals internationally, enhancing our competitiveness and attracting opportunities that drive national progress. I encourage all of us to champion the resilient Nigerian spirit wherever we go and promote our nation’s expertise with pride,” she said.

Ms Oguntala, while highlighting the importance of collaboration among professionals from diverse fields, noted that the complex challenges facing Nigeria demand solutions beyond the capacity of any single profession.

 She also stressed the responsibility of professionals to uphold the highest ethical standards while emphasising integrity as the foundation of public trust.

 The NSE president suggested the establishment of collaborative programmes to nurture young professionals by equipping them with the skills and networks needed for future leadership roles.

Ms Oguntala encouraged professionals to champion the resilient Nigerian spirit globally, especially in promoting the nation’s expertise with pride.

 APBN is the umbrella body of recognised professional institutes, institutions and associations promoting a new era of cooperation among professionals in Nigeria.

The association, made up of 32 professional bodies’ members, was given official Federal Government recognition as the third leg of the tripod of the Organised Private Sector in January 1992.

(NAN)