Minister tasks engineers on alternative sources of energy

Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola challenged the nation’s engineers in Lagos on Monday to come up with innovations in alternative energy sources to reduce the nation’s dependence on gasoline.

Aregbesola made the call at the celebration of the 29th Founders’ Day of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the inauguration of the society’s Engineering Resource Center that bears his name.

The minister, who is a member of the NSE, urged Nigerian engineers to copy the Egyptian model of transport system in which all commercial vehicles ran on gas, thereby reducing pressure on consumption and continued subsidy. of gas.

He called on engineers to take the lead in harnessing the tremendous job opportunities in various sectors to create jobs for the nation’s youth and grow the economy.

He lamented that lucrative opportunities in underwater welding that required short training for artisans in the oil and gas sector were being wasted because young Nigerians did not have the skills to take on the jobs.

He also urged local engineers to deliver solutions to the nation’s energy sector and live up to expectations of playing a vital role in building a strong foundation for the future of the youngest through their innovative approach.

He said that all aspects of life are related to engineering and listed the roles of engineers in health, telecommunications, industry, energy, transportation, construction and other sectors.

“Everything about human life is engineering,” he said.

He called for engineering solutions to the problems of overcrowding and housing deficit in the state of Lagos.

Aregbesola urged Nigerians to help save foreign exchange earnings by properly implementing the federal government’s local content policy.

He said the NSE and other professional bodies should position themselves to ensure the government receives value for money on projects across the country.

“More than anything, engineers and professionals in general must reaffirm their sense of role and responsibility towards society in a developing economy like ours,” he said.

The newly elected national president of the NSE, Mr. Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, commissioned all NSE branches and districts to initiate projects in rural areas that would have a direct impact on the people.

Gidari-Wudil praised the inauguration of the newly built Engineering Resources Tower and assured an inclusive government, which will ensure the welfare and development of engineering.

Mr. Olutosin Ogunmola, president of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), said that beyond innovations for the nation’s economic growth, the tower would be used to train young engineers.

Ogunmola said the Founders’ Day event was an occasion to celebrate the Ikeja branch and recognize the contributions of past leaders to inspire the new generation to do more.

Also speaking at the event, special guest of honor Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, CEO of the SIFAX Group, who inaugurated the building, said he supported the project to ensure the growth of the engineering profession.

“I am confident that the opening of the Rauf Aregbesola Engineering Resource Center will help advance the cause of the engineering profession in Nigeria,” said Afolabi.

Mr. Gasper Olawunmi, former Chancellor of Lagos State Polytechnic and former General Secretary of NSE Ikeja Branch, delivered the 29th Founders’ Day Lecture.