The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Enugu Branch, on Thursday, 28th August 2025, held its Annual Conference and General Meeting at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, with the theme “Engineering Solutions to Sustainable Development in Enugu State.”
The event, which also featured an award ceremony and induction of new members, brought together engineers, stakeholders, industry experts, and fellows of the society. Dignitaries present included Engr. Gerald Otiji, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Enugu State;Engr. Chief P.I.C. Chukwunta, Chairman, NSE Enugu Branch; Engr. Victor Chiwuzie, Chairman, Technical Committee; Engr. Dr. Lois Onyejere Nwobodo, Managing Director, Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu; Rev. Fr. Engr. Francis Agu; HRH Igwe Sir Engr. Augustine Emeruba, Eze Okpoko II of Oba, Anambra State;Engr. Ikechukwu Nwokeji , Director, Chevron Nigeria Ltd; Engr. Dr. Tony Nebo, Pro-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State; as well as past branch chairmen, fellows, spouses of engineers, and invited guests.
Proceedings opened with the introduction of dignitaries and prayers led by Rev. Fr. Engr. Agu and presentation of kolanut by HRH Igwe Emeruba. In his welcome address, Engr. Chief P.I.C. Chukwunta commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his infrastructural drive, citing ongoing projects such as smart schools, the International Conference Centre, and Hotel Presidential. He stressed that engineers remain central to national development and must work with the government to sustain its gains. According to him, a communique capturing engineers’ recommendations would be presented to both the governor and the National Assembly as the outcome of the 2025 conference.
Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Victor Chiwuzie, echoed the call for sustainability, urging engineers to devise strategies for maintaining and managing state infrastructure. Similarly, HRH Igwe Augustine Emeruba emphasized mentoring younger engineers through active participation in annual meetings. He urged professionals to support local communities, adopt indigenous resources, embrace artificial intelligence in engineering practice, and uphold legacies that ensure continuity in development.
Two lead papers were presented during the event. The first, delivered on behalf of Engr. Dr. Lois Nwobodo by Engr. Emmanuel C. Ofumba, was titled “Regulatory Compliance and International Standards in Infrastructural Development.” The paper highlighted the differences between traditional and modern infrastructure, noting that contemporary systems are technologically advanced, automated, renewable energy-driven, and commercially viable. He urged engineers to uphold professionalism, comply with codes and regulations, and prioritize training, environmental assessments, and the use of quality materials in construction and maintenance.
The second paper, titled “Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities in Enugu State,” was presented on behalf of Commissioner Gerald Otiji by Engr. Chukwuemeka Arukwe. It called for greater involvement of engineers in government planning and project execution rather than reliance on artisans. Other recommendations included adherence to professional standards, continuous training, poverty reduction strategies, improved resource management, research on local sustainability models, and the enforcement of regulations to curb quackery in the profession.
The conference underscored the indispensable role of engineers in achieving sustainable infrastructure, and promote best practices in engineering across Enugu State and beyond.