By Doris Israel Ijeoma
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Akure Branch, has kicked off a week-long celebration of the 2023 Engineering Week with a press briefing on Monday, September 11th.
The event is scheduled to run until Sunday, September 17th, and its central theme is “Energy Self-Sufficiency as a Tool for Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability and Development.”
Engineer Tunji Ariyomo Ebenezer, a prominent figure in the engineering community, is set to deliver insights on how energy self-sufficiency can bolster the nation’s economy.
This theme gains significance given past issues related to fuel supply and the ongoing challenges of erratic power supply across the nation.
The NSE aims to address these challenges by proposing practical solutions that include increasing domestic production and revitalizing the nation’s refineries.
Such efforts are seen as essential to preventing an economic collapse and positively impacting the country as a whole.
The NSE expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the electricity bill, which empowers states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
They also extended thanks to Ondo state government for its efforts in improving access to electricity.
The objectives of the Engineering Week include problem-solving, raising awareness, and providing guidance to the government.
The week began with an online election to select the best engineer in Ondo, with Boye Bode Folorunsho Oladeji emerging as the winner for the year 2022/23.
The week’s activities include a novelty match between NSE Akure and the NUJ at African Comprehensive High School, a cocktail party, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Friday prayers at the central mosque, a lecture dinner, and an award night.
The week concludes with a Thanksgiving event at the Revival Centre Church on Sunday.
When asked about reducing reliance on petrol for electricity production in Ondo, the NSE Chairman emphasized harnessing the state’s abundant sunshine for solar energy production.
Engineer Tunde Ariyomo, who played a significant role in the collaboration within NSE Akure, served as a special adviser to the governor on energy matters and contributed to the amendment of the 1999 constitution, ensuring a conducive legislative framework for electricity generation.
Furthermore, Ondo State has taken a proactive step by becoming the first state to regulate its own electricity supply, in alignment with the Electricity Act of 2023. This allows states with enabling local laws, like Ondo, to notify the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and become self-sufficient in electricity supply. Ondo’s commitment to self-reliance in the electricity sector is seen as a significant step forward.
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