The Chairman Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch, Engr. Ukeme Okpob has called on Government to appoint Engineers to head Government Ministries and Departments that required Engineering Services as applicable in Ministry of Justice for Lawyers and Ministry of Health for Doctors.

Engr. Okpob made the call on Wednesday during the opening Ceremony of Ibom 2021 Engineering Conference/Groundbreaking for the building of National Engineering Centre Annex at Ibom Hall, Uyo.

Okpob stressed that although those appointed as Commissioners in Ministry of Works in different administrations in Akwa Ibom State have put on their best to deliver on the Ministry’s assignments, there are several Engineering intricacies that are lacking which can best be handled by a Specialist in Engineering Profession.

He noted that those Engineering intricacies undermined by non-professionals are detrimental to human health and also capable of causing serious harm in the society.

“If I as an Engineer is appointed Commissioner for Health, I don’t think I can handle health related issues like a Medical Doctor. If I am appointed Commissioner for Justice, I don’t think I will be able to handle Legal matters like a Lawyer. That is the same way a non-professional in Engineering Profession may not handle any Ministry that required Engineering Services. The idea of appointing a non Engineer Commissioner or Minister of works should be corrected.”

He added that Ibom 2021 Engineering Conference provides a veritable platform for Engineers to come together to voice out the challenges of Engineers and to proffer a workable solution to each problem identified, calling on Government to always consider appointing an Engineer to man Ministries and Departments that need Engineering Services the same way a Doctor and a Lawyer are appointed into Ministries of Health and Justice respectively.

He said that Ibom 2021 Engineering Week is a celebration of milestone of achievements recorded by the Uyo Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a veritable platform for Engineers across the country to come together and exchange knowledge, share experiences and work towards the upliftment of Engineering profession in Nigeria.

He specifically appreciated all the esteemed supporters of the Ibom 2021 Engineering Week and groundbreaking ceremony for National Engineering Centre Annex/Branch Secretariat

Also speaking, the representative of Governor Udom Emmanuel, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem commended the continuous support and cooperation of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch and described Engineering as the underpin of human civilization.

He noted that the Akwa Ibom State Government has keyed in to this new era of Engineering through the world class social amenities provided by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

Dr. Ekuwem said Akwa Ibom State is the second largest commercial hub in Nigeria after Lagos, calling on Engineers to bring creativity and innovation that will sustain the level of economic development in the State.

He said adequate measures should be put in place to support Engineering Students to make Engineering Profession attractive to children. He, however, supported the building of National Engineering Centre Annex in Uyo.

Thr representative of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, further proceeded to laying the foundation stone for the building of National Engineering Centre Annex/Uyo Branch Senatorial at Atan Offot Community, Uyo and was witnessed by Mr. Udom Inoyo, who served as the Keynote Speaker at the event, Engr. Etido Inyang, Engr. Prof. Akindele Folarin Alonge, Engr. Prof. Charles Uko and the Branch Chairman, Engr. Ukeme Okpob among other Engineers.

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