Abeokuta – In a stirring call for systemic reform, Engineers from across Nigeria gathered in Abeokuta for the 7th Sina Egberongbe Memorial Lecture, organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch. Themed “Re-Engineering Governance for National Productivity in Nigeria,” the event served as both a tribute to a distinguished Engineer and a critical forum for addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
Delivering the lecture, the Managing Director of Kresta Laurel Limited, Engr. Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, emphasized the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s governance systems to unlock national productivity. He argued that while the country has the potential to achieve double-digit economic growth, poor governance, endemic corruption, and weak institutions have continually impeded progress.
Engr. Falobi described re-engineering governance as an intentional, structured process that includes clarifying roles and responsibilities, streamlining decision-making processes, fostering transparency and accountability, and cultivating a performance-driven public sector culture. He called for effective leadership, institutional reforms, and increased citizen participation as essential pillars for national transformation.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, represented by the Deputy President, Engr. Ali Rabiu, MFR, FNSE, praised the Abeokuta Branch for sustaining the lecture series as a platform for thought leadership and professional dialogue.
Also present was the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, FNSE, represented by Engr. Temitayo Adegbuyi, FNSE. She reiterated the Ogun State Government’s commitment to partnering with professional bodies like the NSE in advancing development initiatives.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the NSE Abeokuta Branch, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, FNSE, noted the significance of the annual lecture in preserving the legacy of the late Engr. Sina Egberongbe. “Engr. Egberongbe was a beacon of professionalism, humility, and service,” he said. “This lecture not only celebrates his life but challenges us to carry forward the values he lived by — excellence, integrity, and selfless dedication.”
Engr. Idowu further stressed the relevance of the lecture theme, stating, “It calls on us to reflect on how Engineering principles — such as efficiency, transparency, and systems thinking — can be applied to governance. As Engineers, we must not only design physical infrastructure but also help construct better institutions and governance frameworks.”
A poignant moment at the event was the presence of Mrs. Tokunbo Awosusi (Née Egberongbe), daughter of the late honouree, who expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the family for the continued recognition of her father’s enduring legacy.
Held in a capacity-filled hall and amidst a vibrant atmosphere of reflection, learning, and professional solidarity, the memorial lecture once again reinforced the vital role of engineers in shaping policies, institutions, and governance systems to drive Nigeria’s productivity and prosperity.
