Lagos- The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Wednesday said it would support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), through appropriate training to grow the nation’s economy.
The new chairman of the Apapa branch of the society, Mr Ombugadu Garba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the NSE was committed to enhance the SMEs productivity.
“Engineers have a pivotal role to play in revamping the Nigerian economy.
“We will always avail the nation with our professional expertise to help the nation out of economic recession.
“We will partner with the government in the area of manpower training, particularly, training of artisans.
“The artisans, who run mainly SMEs, are integral part of job creation and wealth generation and we will help them to grow,’’ he said.
Garba was inaugurated as the 7th Chairman of NSE, Apapa branch on Tuesday.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place in Apapa, Lagos, also witnessed induction of 20 new members into the branch.
In his inaugural speech, the new chairman said that the induction was in recognition of individuals who had contributed toward uplifting the engineering profession in Nigeria.
He urged engineering professionals to contribute to wealth creation and nation building.
“Asides inauguration of the new chairman, we are also using this opportunity to recognise distinguished individuals who have contributed to and uplifted the practise of engineering in Nigeria.
“As it stands today, our dear country is in dire need of economic recovery and no nation can grow beyond its technology.
“We must, therefore, use our expertise to make Nigeria great again,’’ he said.
Garba called on engineers to embrace creativity and to use their expertise to create wealth.
“We challenge our young and experienced engineers to be creative and forward looking.
“The era of looking for white collar job is gone. Engineers should, therefore, use their expertise to create wealth and contribute to nation building,” he said.
The chairman said that the new leadership of Apapa branch would strive to improve the standard of engineering practice and move the society forward.
The Immediate Past Chairman of the branch, Mr Olalekan Taiwo, advised Nigerian engineers to embrace engineering education and research.
Taiwo also urged them to practise community-based engineering.
NAN reports that Garba is presently an Assistant Manager, Safety in Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).