The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to partner with the Nigerian Military towards ensuring high standards in their profession, in line with best global practices.
Governor Dickson, who was represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), at the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Engineering Regulation Monitoring Inspectorate in Yenagoa, described the event as timely, in view of the numerous construction works being embarked upon by the government.
Governor Dickson observed that, human and natural resources abound in the country needed to be harnessed, stressing that, engineers must build linkages and develop local capacities in nurturing a productive economy.
Highlighting the achievements of the state government in infrastructural development, he also called for deliberate efforts from the federal government and other relevant authorities in encouraging the establishment of research laboratories in technical institutions that would impact positively on the national economy.
In his opening remarks, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Otis Anyaeji, represented by his Vice, Engr Joseph Akinteye, expressed concern over the infiltration of the engineering profession by quacks.
Engr Anyaeji said it has become imperative to take practical steps in reversing the trend and urged all to validate the claims and credentials of anyone, who engages in engineering projects towards forestalling the incidence of structural collapse in the country.
Also speaking, President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Engr Kashim Abdul Ali, said for the country to achieve sustainable development, indigenous capacities must be developed rather than allow foreign companies to continue to dominate in virtually all engineering projects.
Engr Ali, who urged engineers to be above board in the practice of their profession, said over 90% of the country’s appropriations were in engineering jobs, through which a greater percentage of corruption takes place.
In his contribution, Chairman of the Yenagoa branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Olaowei Indiamaowei noted that, COREN has set up Engineering Regulations Monitoring teams across the states of the country domiciledo in the branches and headed by a Chief Inspector.
While commending the state government for setting up a quality control laboratory, Engr Indiamaowei said, the facility when fully equipped, would among other things, reduce construction and material failure, create employment and increase the internally generated revenue of the state.
Highpoint of the event was the inauguration of an 11 member Engineering Regulation Monitoring Inspectorate, including Engr Olaowei as Chief Inspector, Bayelsa State chapter.
Governor Dickson had earlier performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the South-South Engineering Resource Centre and the inauguration of the COREN and NSE temporary office complex in Yenagoa.
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