I commended the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) for embracing the idea of inclusivity by electing its first female President to pilot the affairs of the organization in the next two years.
I made this statement while receiving the President of the NSE, Engr. Margaret Oguntola and other members of the organization who paid her a courtesy visit at the national headquarters of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“Your election is a strong indicator of the vital role of women in nation building and I must commend the Nigeria Society of Engineers for providing the platform for the first woman to serve in this capacity after having 34 previous male Presidents. We don’t this for granted and the Women Affairs Ministry will collaborate with your organization to realize collective goals”
Speaking further, she stressed the need to identify common grounds for partnership with the engineering body especially in the area of indigenous engineering to enhance and promote the capacity for home-grown initiatives to manufacture agricultural tools that will boost food production in Nigeria.
“Part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy focus is on food security and I am optimistic that our partnership with your organization will further bolster the Federal Government plans towards improved food production in Nigeria”
Responding, the President of the NSE Engr. Margaret commended the Minister for the giant strides she has taken to address the plight of women in Nigeria in the last 5 months and numerous initiatives to ensure gender inclusiveness that will promote the interest of women and the girl child.
The NSE President also observed my unrelenting efforts to address the issue of gender based violence and other harmful practices against the female gender and pledged her organization’s resolve to collaborate with the Ministry to further improve on the welfare and wellbeing of Women and the vulnerable in the society.
She also said that the NSE will utilize its mechanism under the community impact program to encourage the girl child mentorship in the area of engineering technology to equip them with the required skills as future stakeholders in national development.
The President also invited me as a special guest at the NSE 2024 international engineering conference exhibition and annual general meeting slated for November this year in Abuja.