The Nigerian Society of Engineers on Saturday inaugurated its Ibeju-Lekki branch to strengthen professional development and provide engineering support for Nigeria’s fast-growing industrial corridor.

The President of NSE, Margaret Oguntala, said at the inauguration that it marked the expansion of the NSE’s reach, bringing together engineers from different corners of Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

The branch is the 91st of the NSE.

The event featured the launching of N500 million for construction of the branch’s secretariat and purchase of a bus for the branch.

It also featured awards to deserving personalities.

Ms Oguntala said that establishment of the branch was to address professional needs of engineers in the area in terms of convenience and accessibility.

She noted that Ibeju-Lekki had become one of the rapidly developing areas of Lagos State, with urbanisation, infrastructure development and industrial growth.

She said the NSE, Ibeju-Lekki branch, would provide a dedicated platform for local engineers to engage in professional development, attend technical seminars, and collaborate on projects vital for the growth of the engineering profession.

Ms Oguntala added, “It will also serve as a space to foster innovation and inspire young engineers, offering them more localised and efficient means of staying at the forefront of industrial growth. I assure you of the full support of the NSE headquarters, and we will work hand-in-hand with the Ibeju-Lekki branch to provide guidance, resources and assistance in achieving its goals.’’

The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Abdullahi Olowa, described branches as wings which propelled and spread the values of an organisation.

Mr Olowa said that the inauguration was timely and significant, particularly as the area had, in recent years, assumed a pride of place in Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.

He said that, with the establishment of the Lekki Free Zone and the Lagos Free Zone, the corridor had witnessed a rapid influx of manufacturing, industrial and maritime businesses.

He stated, “Naturally, these developments have drawn a large pool of engineers and other professionals, making the formation of a local NSE branch here both necessary and inevitable. I have no doubt that the leadership of this new branch will work tirelessly to grow its membership, provide valuable services, and create opportunities that will uplift the profession and its practitioners in this region.’’

The pioneer Chairman of the Ibeju-Lekki branch of NSE, Olufemi Dare, said that the establishment of the branch was a strategic response to the realities and responsibilities presented by the rapid transformation of Ibeju-Lekki into an industrial hub of Nigeria.

Mr Dare said that, in the last one year, the branch had recorded significant milestones, including technical visits to strategic industrial hubs and projects, meetings, and driving robust membership campaigns.

He said that engineers were not just participants, but strategic enablers in the current global era of rapid development.

He said that engineers had the responsibility to ensure that infrastructure would meet the needs of the future without compromise.

Mr Dare added, “Whether in energy, housing, transportation, or environmental stewardship, engineers must lead in building a new Lagos founded on sustainable planning, responsible execution, and lasting impact. The inauguration of this branch establishes a beacon of engineering leadership and community impact in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic corridors. By the grace of God, I shall, with the support of other new executive committee members, collaborate with all members of the branch to ensure that the principles of excellence, innovation and inclusiveness are upheld at all times.’’

Mr Dare pledged to the host communities that the branch would be responsible partners in development, in which skills of the community members would be applied to support infrastructure, youth empowerment and public progress.

Chairman, Ovie Arup and Partners Nigeria Ltd., Kunle Adebajo, described engineers as “architects of possibility,” stressing the need to leverage technology for sustainable development.

Mr Adebajo said that engineers must deploy Internet of Things solutions to address challenges such as traffic control, flood resilience, emissions and others in line with the realities of the region.

He said that Lagos must be positioned as a flagship city for Nigeria, future-ready and globally competitive.

According to him, the advantage of the present era lies in the availability of technology and innovation, which can be adapted rather than re-invented.

Mr Adebajo urged that design and planning should adopt a circular approach where end-of-life of materials would not mean waste, but opportunities for reuse.

Twenty-five persons, including business mogul, Aliko Dangote, received awards of excellence for their contributions to engineering and the development of Nigeria.

Mr Dangote received global awards for exceptional industrial leadership and outstanding economic development.

Demola Aladekomo was given the engineering innovation and mentorship award, while Margaret Oguntala, received the global transformational leadership award.

Adesuwa Ladoja got the distinguished award for excellence in business collaboration, economic development and human empowerment.

(NAN)