The Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Uyo Branch, has officially inaugurated Engr. Francis Uwah as its 18th Chairman, with the new leadership unveiling an ambitious plan to establish a state-of-the-art engineering training centre, a materials testing laboratory and a modern design centre in Akwa Ibom State.
The colourful inauguration ceremony, which attracted a large gathering of engineers, captains of industry, academics, government officials and other stakeholders, was held at the prestigious Flairmore Event Centre in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, and was organised under the theme, “Building a Legacy of Impactful Leadership.”
The event marked a new chapter in the history of the NSE Uyo Branch, as members celebrated the transition of leadership and the vision of the new administration to reposition the branch as a hub for engineering excellence, innovation and professional development in the South-South region of Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address at the occasion, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntola, FNSE, charged the new executive to adopt a forward-looking approach to leadership that transcends the limited duration of its tenure in office.
Engr. Oguntola, who is highly respected for her contributions to the growth of engineering in Nigeria, emphasised that true leadership is measured not by the number of programmes organised within a tenure but by the ability to build enduring institutions, strong systems and high professional standards that will outlive the current administration.
She urged Engr. Uwah and his team to prioritise sustainability, accountability and inclusiveness in their leadership style, stressing that the future of the engineering profession in Akwa Ibom depends on deliberate efforts to mentor young engineers, uphold ethics and promote excellence in all facets of engineering practice.
According to her, the NSE at both national and branch levels must continue to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, advocacy and collaboration with government and the private sector, in order to ensure that engineering plays its rightful role in driving national development and solving societal challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the newly inaugurated Chairperson of the Engineers’ Forum, Engr. Unwana Francis Uwah, underscored the critical importance of unity, solidarity and mutual support among members of the engineering profession in the state.
Engr. Unwana noted that the progress of the NSE Uyo Branch will largely depend on the collective commitment of all members, regardless of their fields of specialisation or years of experience, to work together for the common good of the profession and the society at large.
She pledged the full cooperation and support of the Engineers’ Forum to the new branch administration, assuring that the forum will collaborate closely with the executive to implement programmes that will enhance the welfare of members, promote gender inclusion and encourage greater participation of female engineers in leadership and technical activities.
Meanwhile, an Ex-Officio member of the branch, Engr. Victor Dick, MNSE, described the inauguration ceremony as a significant milestone in the continued growth and development of the NSE Uyo Branch, noting that the smooth transition from one administration to another reflects the maturity and stability of the association.
Engr. Dick commended both the outgoing leadership for its achievements and the new administration for its clear vision and readiness to build on existing legacies, adding that the proposed engineering training centre and testing laboratory would be game-changers for engineering practice in Akwa Ibom State.
He explained that the establishment of a materials testing laboratory will help to address the problem of building collapse and substandard construction works by ensuring that materials used for projects are properly tested and certified, while the training centre will provide continuous professional development opportunities for engineers and technicians.
The new Chairman, Engr. Francis Uwah, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to run an inclusive and impactful administration that will prioritise the needs of members and contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
He said his administration will focus on three key pillars, including professional development through regular workshops, seminars and technical sessions, youth engagement by mentoring young engineers and students, and strengthening the contribution of engineering to infrastructural development, industrialisation and economic growth in the state.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that under the leadership of Engr. Uwah, the NSE Uyo Branch will witness a new era of innovation, collaboration and impactful leadership that will not only elevate the engineering profession but also support the Akwa Ibom State Government in its drive to achieve sustainable development and infrastructural transformation.
