It was a dual event for the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) as the Society inaugurated its Omu-Aran Branch and the pioneer executive members to pilot the affairs of the branch on Monday, 4th June, 2018 at Landmark University, Omu-Aran. This was in furtherance of its objective to propagate the advancement of engineering education, research, and practice in all its ramifications towards enhancing the professional capabilities of its members with a view to better equip them to fulfil the needs of the profession for the good of the nation.

The Guest Speaker, Engr. (Prof.) Jeremiah Ojediran, Vice-Chancellor, Bells University, Ota, while delivering his speech titled, “Engineering Innovation and Development: A Quintessential Nexus”, said that engineering has a critical role to play in meeting the demand of the increasing global population growth. He expressed the need for members of the profession to be more focused, prepared and well positioned, through innovation, capacity development to be able to fulfil such demand.

He said it was the responsibility of engineers to create sustainable development and impact on human lives globally. According to him, two decades from now, the world’s population will increase by almost two billion with 95 per cent from developing countries.

“This growth will occasion demands for energy, food, land, water, transportation, materials, waste disposal, health care, environmental clean-up, telecommunication, and infrastructure. 

“Therefore, the role of engineers will be critical in meeting those demands at remote small communities to large urban areas mostly in the developing world,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju, in his remarks, urged the executive members to extend its tentacles to accommodate more members within the neighbouring communities with a view to appropriating the establishment of the Branch and further strengthen the town-gown relationship already in existence. He said the institution’s desire to prioritise mechanised agriculture could only be made possible through effective and efficient engineering input.

While inaugurating the pioneer executive members of the Branch, the President of the Society, Engr. Adekunle Mukuolu, FNSE said inauguration of more branches within and outside the shore of the country was informed by sustainable capacity building toward service to the citizens, country and humanity. “What this means is that we will witness more research work, mentoring, service and collaborations with our government, academia and the organised private sector to move the nation forward,” he said.

The newly inaugurated Pioneer Chairman of the Omu-Aran Branch Engr. Francis Ayoleke Ibikunle, in his remarks, promised to partner with institutions within the branch catchment area to develop a system that will enhance entrepreneurship development. Other members of the newly inaugurated pioneer executive are: Engr. Olamide Olawale – Vice Chairman, Engr. John Ramonu – General Secretary, Engr. Raphael Davids – Technical Secretary, Engr. Ezegwu Chinedu – Treasurer, Engr. Atoyebi Olumeya –Publicity Secretary, Engr. Ogun O. – Financial Secretary and Engr. Olumuyiwa Ogunwale – Assistant Treasurer.

The inauguration attracted members and fellows of engineering profession, traditional rulers, and security agencies, among others. The newly inaugurated branch, which is the 70th in the organization’s network, was saddled with the responsibility of championing the course of the organization for the next two years in the area.