…Inaugurates Oredo Branch Leadership

BENIN CITY — President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, has commended the Edo State Government for the quality of its ongoing infrastructure projects during an official visit to Benin City for the inauguration of the leadership of the newly established NSE Oredo Branch.

Rabiu, who arrived in the state for a three-in-one event that included an inspection of key infrastructure projects, the inauguration of the branch’s pioneer executive committee and a gala dinner, was received at the Benin Airport by the Edo State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Engr. Emmanuel E. Okoebor, on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The inspection tour covered the Ramat Park Flyover and the Adesuwa Junction Flyover, as well as the concrete pavement road project stretching from Adesuwa Junction to the Edo-Delta State boundary.

Speaking after the inspection, the NSE President praised the state government for what he described as remarkable investments in infrastructure, noting that the projects reflected a commitment to quality engineering and sustainable development.

He also commended Governor Okpebholo for engaging qualified engineering professionals to execute the projects, stressing that durable infrastructure can only be achieved through professional competence.

Rabiu expressed satisfaction with both the quality of work and the pace of execution across the projects inspected.

He appealed to the Edo State Government to support the newly established Oredo Branch with a dedicated tour bus for engineering inspection visits and allocate a parcel of land within Oredo Local Government Area for the construction of a permanent branch secretariat.

Responding on behalf of the governor, Okoebor thanked the NSE President for his positive assessment of the state’s infrastructure development and assured him that the requests would be presented to Governor Okpebholo for consideration.

During the visit, Rabiu also inaugurated Engr. Chukudi M. Akpotowho as the pioneer chairman of the NSE Oredo Branch alongside the 2026/2027 executive committee.

He urged the new leadership to prioritise the professional development of members through regular training, workshops and seminars, strengthen collaboration with educational institutions, industries and other professional bodies, champion community-based engineering initiatives and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

A keynote address titled “From Benin Bronze to Smart Cities: Re-imagining Edo Through Engineering Excellence” was delivered on behalf of Maj. Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.) by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Barr. Dr. Andrew Emwanta.

The presentation highlighted the role of engineering, innovation and technology in addressing Edo State’s infrastructure, flooding, electricity, water supply, employment and urban development challenges while positioning the state for sustainable growth.

In his inaugural address, Akpotowho pledged to make the Oredo Branch the leading voice of engineering in Edo State through collaboration with government, industry, academia and other stakeholders to deliver engineering-driven solutions.

He also reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to professionalism, innovation, capacity building, ethical practice and sustainable development.

Akpotowho commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as the administration’s visible infrastructural transformation across the state, referring to him as “The Engineer of Infrastructure Development” in recognition of his commitment to delivering quality roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

The events attracted engineers, government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers, academics and other stakeholders from across the country, underscoring the significance of the establishment of the Oredo Branch and its expected contribution to advancing engineering excellence and sustainable development in Edo State.