By Precious Ireoluwa
A lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Taiwo Fele has called on Engineers and Nigerians to embrace digital economy as against agrarian economy.
Dr Fele made the call on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, while delivering a lecture during the inauguration ceremony of new executives of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ado Ekiti branch.
Speaking on the theme: “Ekiti Digital Economy: The Roles of Engineers In Optimally Exploring Emerging Opportunities”, he explained that digital economy will be a mechanism to drive innovation and national development.
Fele also tasked them to use technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics to solve societal challenges and improve key areas which include infrastructure, healthcare, education, and cybersecurity.
In her remarks, the National president of NSE, Margret Oguntala, represented by the Chairman, Akure branch, Oluwaseun Adeyeye exuded confidence in the new executives and urged them to be up and doing and work towards the progress of the association.
“What we have seen today is a testament of the achievements of our association.
“The new chairman is capable to deliver and we urge her to serve the people better.” He added
In his keynote address titled “Enginerring the Future: Unlocking Ekiti’s Economic Potential Through Sustainable Innovation”, the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, (EkSU), Professor Ayodele Babalola, represented by Professor Ilesanmi Oluwafemi, reiterated the commitment of the institution to collaborate with the association in addressing the state’s infrastructural challenges and make it beacon of sustainable innovation.
Speaking with journalists, the newly elected Chairman and first female chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ado Ekiti branch, Engr Tola Alawode pledged to prioritize the welfare of members while also expediting actions towards the growth and development of the association.
Alawode, who is the 17th Chairman of the Branch, promised to execute the agenda of the association which include: enhancing mandatory professional development, embracing technological innovation, advancing innovation with engineering hub, among others.
She also hailed the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for putting round pegs in round holes, while also charging him to award contracts to qualified Engineers, so that Ekiti state will be a project-driven subnational.
Members of the new executives include: Engr Abiodun Ogunrinde (Vice Chairman), Engr H. Owoyemi (Gen Sec), Engr Babalogbon (Ass Gen Sec), Engr Adekanmi Jonathan (Treasurer), Engr Hassan Jimoh (Technical Secretary), Engr Olatunde Jubril (Ass Technical Secretary).
Others are: Engr Ajayi Gabriel (Publicity Secretary), Engr Ayodele Ayebusi (Ex-Officio 1), Engr Taiwo Falae (Ex-Officio 2), Engr O. Aluko (Past Chairman), Engr Samuel Ogundare (NICE Chairman), and Engr Aderonke Olajide (APWEN Chairman).