By Bukola Ogundele
New Exco
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ado-Ekiti branch, Ekiti State, has called on the Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, to award more contracts to local contractors in line with the implementation of the local content bill.
The outgoing chairman of the branch, Engineer Oluwasegun Aluko, made this appeal on Friday in Ado-Ekiti while addressing journalists at the 2024 Annual General Meeting and inauguration ceremony of new executive members of the association.
He expressed confidence in the capabilities of local engineers, emphasizing that they have the expertise to deliver high-quality projects that will stand the test of time.
His words: “We are aware that the state government is doing much in terms of infrastructural development. We are calling on the government to enhance the state’s economy and that of its citizens.
“The government needs to collaborate more effectively with the professional body of engineers to provide advice, rather than relying solely on individuals.
“Although several projects are being handled by local contractors, there are still numerous foreign contractors among us.
“There is nothing being done in Ekiti that cannot be handled by Ekiti engineers. The reality is that when outsiders gain from these projects, they take the profits out of the state.
“Let’s keep all our funds within the state, ensure all projects are handled by local engineers, and consider reducing the size of projects so that no one contractor gains excessively and take resources elsewhere.
“The local content bill has been passed into law, and while the government is moving in the right direction, more should be done to award jobs to local contractors.”
Speaking on his achievements in office, he said, “When I assumed office, we had issues with our secretariat because it was not centrally located. I prioritized securing a central location for our secretariat, and thankfully, we were able to obtain a new secretariat site within my first year in office.”
He urged the incoming exco to develop innovative solutions to engage members and prioritize their welfare for the benefit of all.
The National President of the Association, Margaret Aina Oguntala, represented by National Executive member, Professor Olumide Ogundipe, warned unlicensed Civil Engineers undertaking engineering projects to register under the umbrella body or risk being sanctioned.
“Anyone not registered under the body must not practice. Even if you graduated from an engineering school, you must be certified by the regulatory body.
In this picture is the Nat’l Exco, Incoming Chairman, Chairman, BOT and the Outgoing Chairman.
“Any firm or individual found executing engineering projects without registration will be sanctioned by the regulatory body, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).”
The incoming Chairman of the branch, Engineer Omotola Alawode, pledged to prioritize the welfare of her members by ensuring that all bonafide members benefit from her administration.
Alawode, the first female chairman of the branch, called on the state government to partner with the association in delivering high-quality projects for the people of Ekiti.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NSE Board of Trustees, Ekiti State, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, commended the achievements of the outgoing executives under Engineer Aluko’s leadership and encouraged the incoming administration to build on the established legacy.
The names of the new executives are: Engr. Tola Alawode (Chairman), Engr. Abiodun Ogunrinde (Vice Chairman), Engr. Helen Owoyemi (General Secretary), Engr. Jonathan Adekanmi (Treasurer), Engr. Hassan Jimoh (Technical Secretary), Engr. Jubril Olatunji (Assistant Technical Secretary), and Engr. Taiwo Jasper Falae (Ex-Officio).
