- MD, Lagos Water, Rector, YabaTech and three others inducted as Fellows
- Pledges to increase capacity of engineers to combat flooding
It was all about purpose and focus as Engr Nureni Adegboyega Ogunyemi was inaugurated as the 14th National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers in Lagos, Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the 1st Female and incumbent president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, FNSE alongside the Hon. Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Engr Joseph Utsev, represented, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu.
Engr Nureni Ogunyemi comes with obvious passion towards enhancing the impact of the NIEE in Nigeria’s Environment and Climate Change journey.
In his inaugural speech, the new national chairman stated, “This position shall allow us to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time; the interplay between food-energy-water, and their profound impacts on global warming and flooding”.
Açcording to him, “Our world is undergoing profound changes. Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a reality that we must confront head-on. The nexus between food, energy and water is at the gear of this challenge and our ability to manage it effectively will shape the future”
Engr Nureni enjoined participants at the inauguration ceremony to adopt integrated approaches that recognize the balance between critical resources.
“As stewards of our environment, we have a responsibility to adopt Sustainable practices that mitigate the effects of climate change”.
Nureni presented a multi point agenda which he disclosed would guide the expected impact from his administration.
1. Commitment to Innovation and collaboration towards developing sustainable solutions to optimize use of resources, promote renewable energy , ensure food and water security.
2. Re-establishment if a climate change committee to ensure the NIEE has good representation in future climate change fora across the world
3. Encourage and support structured mentorship programs for young environmental engineers
4. Review the report on codes and standards as a working tool for the institution
5. Expand membership, fundraise and acquire a functional secretariat
The National Chairman reiterated the institutions support for the Ban on Styrofoam packs by the Lagos State Government; even as he pledged to create a better working collaborative structure with the government, public and private sector stakeholders including civil society to increase the capacity of engineers to respond and mitigate the impacts of climate change on the food, energy and water nexus in Nigeria.
As part of the ceremony, five engineers were inducted, including:
* Engr Muhktaar Tijani, MD, Lagos Water Corporation
* Engr. Towin Ogunmola, Member, Lagos State Road Safety Advisory Council
* Engr Prof. Ifeoluwa K. Adewunmi
* Engr. Dr. Ibrahim Adedotun Abdul, Rector, Yaba College of Technology
* Engr. Prof. Kamilu F.K Oyedeko, Lagos State University, Epe
Aside from these fellows, the national executive committee of NIEE was also constituted with the following as members; Engr Caius Umekesiobi, Engr Mrs O.O Agboola, Engr Mrs I.A Lawal, Engr Mrs. Abiola Kosegbe, Engr O.M Ojowuro, Engr Dr. Murtadha Tijani, Engr Dr. Muritala Ibrahim, Engr. A.M Gege, Engr Mustapha Mufutau, Engr Prof. M.J Ayotamuro, Engr Tech. Aneke Simeon R., Engr Dr. Chigoke Uzuegbu with the immediate past national chairman, Engr S.M Odukoya making up the list
