AS WE ARE MANAGING OUR POLITICIANS, THEY SHOULD LEARN TO MANAGE OUR PROFESSIONALS AS WELL

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Ife Adewole

“…Our politicians think Nigerian professionals are not competent enough because they believe we do not have experience, right? They think if we do the work, we will not do it well right? I’m asking; are the politicians governing us well too? Have we gone overseas to go and look for politicians to come and govern us? So as we are managing them (politicians), let them manage us too.”

This is the question that was asked by the 1st National Vice President of The Nigeria Institute of Town Planners; Olutoyin Adedamola Ayinde, FNITP from the audience and other dignitaries at the Dr. Tunde Monsuru Olatunji, Distinguished Annual Public Lecture and Induction ceremony of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, NICE (Lagos Chapter).

The public lecture was tagged; Re-Engineering: A Solution to Nigeria’s Infrastructure Challenge, held at NECA HOUSE, Alausa, Lagos on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

The Guest Speaker, TPL Toyin Ayinde while delivering his speech, strategically analysed the concept of Engineering, Infrastructure and its challenges, noting that planning is essential in every stage of building a society and faulted the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC) and The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for their inability to tackle corruption in the process of awarding contracts that is meant to enhance the infrastructure of our nation.

Ayinde advised everyone in public office to learn to always do what is right as Nigerians are keeping record of all their actions and inaction, “I have discovered that when you are in a public office, you get your report sheet the moment you leave the office, if you like do it well, if you like do it wrong. If you do it wrong people will now say so he/she did not know that he will leave the office, it will now be a disgrace”.

He concluded by encouraging the government to stop awarding construction contracts to foreigners but instead they should patronize the nation’s professionals, as it will in return boost the economy and drastically reduce unemployment.

The National Chairman of NICE, Engr. Mrs Aishatu Umar FNSE, while delivering her opening speech cited infrastructure decay as a major challenge that is facing us as a nation. She said governments’ inability to provide, sustain and maintain necessary infrastructure has led to unemployment, corruption, under funding and poor maintenance culture.

Umar promises that the institution is ready to work with the government at all levels to provide infrastructural development for the future generation, and awakening the institution’s consciousness towards professionalism.

Highlight of the event was the cutting of the 65th Birthday cake of Engr.Dr. Tunde Monsuru Olatunji FNSE, in whose name the Public Lecture was dedicated and rendition of the Eko Boy’s High School Old Boys Association, EKOBA anthem in honour of the celebrant.

The Induction of thirty engineers into Lagos Corporate Members of NICE makes the event more remarkable. Some of the inductees include; Engr. Dele Oyelakin MNICE, Engr. Adeleke Yusuf MNICE, Engr. Dotun Popoola MNICE, Engr. Sherifat Adeleye MNICE, Engr. Ahunanya Abinye MNICE, Engr. Grace Ibitoye MNICE.

Presentation of award to the guest speakers and certificate to deserving members of the Institution added glamour to the event.

Dignitaries at the event are, First National Chairman, TPL Toyin Ayinde FNITP, National Chairman, Engr. Mrs Aishatu Umar FNSE, FNICE, Mr Adewale Joel, Leader of Eko Boys delegation, Past Chairman of The Environmental Commission of the FNSE, M.O Oriyomi, NICE Ikeja Owolabi Ganiu, Lagos Chapter Chairman, Engr. Mrs Lola Adetona, Engr. A.A Omopeloye, Engr. Mrs Idah Amosun, to mention a few.

Dignitaries reciting the National Anthem