The Abeokuta Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting industrial growth and economic development in Ogun State during a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment.
The delegation, led by the Branch Chairman, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, FNSE, paid visits to both the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Kehinde Akintomide, FNSE, and the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Adebola Sofela, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Engineering profession and government in advancing industrialization and investment promotion.
During the visit, the Chairman formally congratulated Engr. Akintomide on his well-deserved appointment as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, as well as his recent elevation to the prestigious Fellowship status of the NSE. He described the dual milestone as a proud moment for the entire engineering community.
According to him, the appointment of a seasoned Engineer to a strategic administrative position within a ministry central to industrialization, investment, and economic growth reinforces the competence, discipline, and visionary capacity of engineers to manage complex systems and drive sustainable development.
The Chairman emphasized that Ogun State’s position as one of Nigeria’s foremost industrial hubs requires strong technical input in infrastructure planning, energy systems, manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and sustainability. He stressed that the visit was not merely ceremonial but a clear expression of NSE Abeokuta’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in critical areas.
He outlined key areas of proposed collaboration to include technical advisory support on industrial and infrastructural projects, promotion of local content and indigenous Engineering capacity, capacity building for engineers within the public sector, advocacy for standards and safety in industrial development, and support for strategic initiatives such as the Sigma Industrial Park in Ewekoro.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Kehinde Akintomide, FNSE, expressed appreciation to the NSE Abeokuta Branch for the visit and the goodwill extended to him. He noted that his elevation to Fellowship and appointment as Permanent Secretary come with heightened responsibility to uphold professional standards and deliver impactful results.
He commended NSE for its consistent advocacy for professionalism and technical excellence, assuring the delegation that the Ministry remains open to structured collaboration that will enhance project delivery, strengthen industrial policy implementation, and promote sustainable development across the State.
In a similar vein, the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Adebola Sofela, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the vital role of Engineers in achieving the Ministry’s mandate. He stated that Ogun State’s industrial success story is deeply rooted in sound Engineering input and strategic infrastructure development.
The Commissioner emphasized that partnerships with professional bodies such as NSE are essential in attracting investments, ensuring compliance with standards, and enhancing investor confidence. He expressed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with NSE Abeokuta in promoting innovation, safety, and competitiveness within the State’s industrial sector.
The visit concluded with renewed assurances of mutual cooperation aimed at positioning Ogun State as a leading destination for investment and industrial excellence in Nigeria.
