Empower engineers for national development – Anambra commissioner urges FG, govs

The Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, has called on the Federal Government to give adequate recognition to and empower engineers to be the architects of change capable of enhancing Nigeria’s economic, infrastructural, and technological development.

Okoma disclosed this while speaking at the monthly general meeting of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Awka branch, held in Awka on Saturday, with the theme: “The Role of Public, Private, Community Partnership (PPCP) in Anambra State’s Infrastructure Development.”

According to the commissioner, no country in the world has achieved sustained economic advancement without harnessing the power of engineering and innovation. He declared that Nigeria, with its vast resources and entrepreneurial spirit, has all the ingredients necessary for industrial and technological transformation.

He, however, noted that for the country to fully realise the desired technological development and advancement, the government must create an environment where engineering excellence, research, and innovation can thrive, translating into real economic impact.

He noted that engineers play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economy.

While reiterating that engineering has always been at the heart of economic progress, he added:

“From infrastructure to technology, from industrialisation to digital transformation, engineers build the systems that drive growth.

“Nigeria, with its vast resources and entrepreneurial spirit, has all the ingredients necessary for industrial and technological transformation. However, to fully realise our potential, we must recognise and empower engineers as the architects of this change. We must create an environment where engineering excellence, research, and innovation can thrive, translating into real economic impact,” he stressed.

He stated further that though Nigeria’s industrial sector has seen growth in key areas such as manufacturing, construction, and energy, several challenges—such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to technology and innovation, workforce development, and policy and regulatory bottlenecks—still hinder the nation’s full potential.

“As engineers, we must rise to the occasion. Be problem-solvers, not just practitioners. Embrace innovation and continuous learning, and advocate for engineering leadership in national development.”

The Commissioner assured the NSE of the government’s continued support in the war against quackery in the state.

In her remarks, the Awka branch Chairman of NSE, Engr. Maryjane Oluchi Okoli, MNSE, said her leadership would continue to redefine engineering excellence by engineering the future in Awka and Anambra State at large.

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“Our strategic priorities include enhancing capacity development, strengthening industry and government collaborations, expanding membership engagement, advancing engineering advocacy, increasing community impact and publicity, and secretariat development,” the Chairman stated.

The meeting was witnessed by a good number of virtual and physical participants, cutting across Graduate Members, Corporate Members, and Fellows of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, several branch chairmen, zonal executives, and national executives of the Society, as well as the President/Chairman in Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE.

Also present was Rtn Engr. Obiudu Chidi, MNSE, FNIHTE, a member of NSE Awka Branch and administrative assistant to the Commissioner, as the Commissioner was presented with an award and certificate as an honorarium, keeping to the tradition of the Engineering Society.

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