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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has praised Engr. Margaret Oguntala for making history as the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.
In a statement, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, conveyed that the governor expressed his admiration during the inauguration ceremony of Engr. Oguntala as the 34th President of the NSE at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday.
The governor characterised Oguntala as a distinguished woman of substance, emphasizing that her ascent testifies to the acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions of the female gender in Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of encouraging and supporting the emergence of women in leadership roles through healthy competitive elections.
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“This indeed is a very rare feat that needs to be recognized as well as celebrated,” he said.
“Engr. Mrs. Oguntala is known to be a woman of sterling qualities and substantial substance, and coupled with her vast experience, knowledge and exposure, I have no doubt that this woman of substance would move the umbrella body to great heights. Kudos to you madam for this rare feat, and you make us proud in Ondo State.”
The governor commended engineers for their crucial roles in the development of society and emphasized that engineers and technologists primarily shouldered a major part of the responsibilities in building the nation of their dreams.
“However, I must challenge you that it behooves on the engineers and technologists to complement the efforts of the government by formulating and producing state-of-the-art solutions to the hydra-headed developmental challenges of our great nation.
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“We must begin to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and even outlive their design-life. We must begin to look at and introduce technology that will conserve energy and preserve our environment that is already being degraded from the dangerous gaseous emissions from gasoline and diesel engines of our automobiles and industries. The way to go, therefore, is to introduce electronic solutions, work smartly and to green energy.”
Mrs. Oguntala urged the Federal Government to fully implement presidential order 5, promoting the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
She called on the government to, among other things, implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some states that had not yet effected the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service. She also urged the government to formulate a policy compelling employers of labor to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.
“Implement Executive Order 5 with sincerity of purpose. Promote Nigerian-made goods and services. Have the Presidency invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed “Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit” as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.
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“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-building.”
Similarly, Senator President Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first first female president.
Represented by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin, Akpabio said: “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries. It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering.
