EMPHASISING the imperative for sustainable development, engineers have been urged to embrace innovation, priotise sustainability, foster collaboration, champion ethical practice, invest in education and capacity building in order to promote sustainable engineering practices
This advice was given by the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos Branch, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, on the occasion of 2025 World Engineering Day, themed: “Shaping our sustainable future through engineering.”
While urging engineers on the need to be well- prepared in addressing the challenges of climate change, growing urban population and inadequate infrastructure, Keisha described the theme of this year’s celebration as “a call to action, a mandate for every engineer to embrace innovation, responsibility, and foresight in all our endeavors.”
She said the theme, chosen by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations, resonated deeply with the challenges and opportunities of this time, adding that it’s not just a slogan, but a call to action.
She pointed out that in Lagos, a vibrant and rapidly growing megacity, the imperative for sustainable development is more critical than ever.
“We face unique challenges, from managing our increasing population viz-a-viz not enough infrastructure to mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring equitable access to resources. As engineers, we are at the forefront of addressing these challenges,” she said.
As this year’s celebration goes on, she urged that the engineers must champion cutting-edge technologies and solutions that promote resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the resilience of the nation’s infrastructure.
“We must encourage and support our younger engineers to be at the forefront of this innovation,” she said.
Keisha, who is currently the Federal Controller of Work, Lagos explained the need to prioritise sustainability, saying it must be integrated into every aspect of work, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
She emphasised that engineers must adopt sustainable practices that minimize waste, conserve energy while protecting the environment.
She said:” Engineering solutions require collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and communities. We must forge strong partnerships with government, industries ,academia, and civil societies to achieve our shared goals.
“As engineers, we hold a position of trust and responsibility. We must uphold the highest ethical standards in our work, ensuring that our solutions are safe, reliable, and beneficial to society.”
Keisha also enjoined engineers to
invest in education and capacity building in order to meet the demands of a sustainable future.
“We must invest in the education and training of our engineers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex challenges,” she said.
She pointed out that the Lagos Branch of the NSE was committed to playing a leading role in shaping a sustainable future for the city and the nation.
Keisha said the NSE, Lagos Branch, under her leadership, would continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable engineering practices, and work tirelessly to empower members to make a positive impact.
She said: “Let us use this World Engineering Day as a catalyst for action, a moment to reaffirm our commitment to building a better future for all. Let us work together to ensure that the legacy we leave behind is one of innovation, sustainability, and progress.”
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