The Delta State Commissioner in charge of the Directorate of Transport, Hon. Onoriode Agofure, has reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), Asaba Chapter, as part of efforts to drive development across the state.
Agofure gave the assurance while speaking at the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NIMechE Asaba Chapter, held in Asaba, the Delta State capital. He commended the Chapter for its programmes and positive engagement with the Delta State Government, noting that professional input from engineers remains critical to effective governance and infrastructure development.
The commissioner assured members that his office would continue to welcome professional advice and strategic partnerships aimed at improving transport systems and other key sectors of the state's economy.
Also speaking at the event, a former Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr. Jude Sinebe, urged members of the institution to take a more proactive role in advancing technology in Nigeria. He emphasised the importance of mentorship, calling on experienced engineers to train and guide young and aspiring professionals to prepare them for future challenges.
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In his remarks, Engr. Christopher Chukwurah, the Osowa Owelle of Asaba, President of the Green Energy Foundation and Father of the Day, praised the Asaba Chapter for its unity, cooperation and impactful programmes. He encouraged engineering institutions under the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to identify local development challenges and design well-structured pro bono projects within their communities to achieve sustainable impact. He also urged engineers to move from silence to strategic action in addressing national development issues.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled "Reclaiming the Spirit of Engineering from Silence to Strategic Action," Engr. Chukwuma Kadurumba described mechanical engineers as critical drivers of national development. He called on engineers to take a united stand for the profession and lead Nigeria's development efforts as problem-solvers committed to practical, evidence-based solutions.
According to him, corporate leaders must insist on high standards, invest in local research and development, and mentor younger professionals, while government officials should rely on technical expertise and base policies on sound engineering principles. He cited countries such as Germany, South Korea and China as examples of nations transformed through engineering-driven action, adding that Nigeria's progress depends on decisive contributions from today's engineers.
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The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Asaba Branch, Engr. Ikechukwu Osunde, also called for greater collaboration among mechanical engineers in addressing challenges within the profession. He urged members of the Chapter to sustain teamwork to ensure continued growth and effectiveness.
Earlier, the Chairman of NIMechE, Asaba Chapter, Engr. Anthony Igbeka, thanked members for the success of the AGM and highlighted the Chapter's achievements. He disclosed that the Chapter recently participated in the National AGM Group Dynamics Competition, where it placed 8th out of 36 chapters nationwide in its first appearance. He added that the Chapter, through the NSE, is engaging the Delta State Government on key areas of collaboration.
The event featured the presentation of Excellence Awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to engineering practice and national development, and concluded with group photographs of participants.
