NSE Seeks Inclusion Of Indigenous Engineers In Actualising Gov. Otu's 'People First' Agenda
By Our Reporter
The Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has appealed to the State Government to involve indigenous Engineers in driving its 'People First' agenda, especially in the area of infrastructure development.
Speaking, the State Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. (Dr) Desmond Ewa, represented by the immediate past Chairman, Engr. Ndifon Agbiji said the organisation is poised to working with the State Government in its vision of bringing democratic deliverables to the people.
"As a body, we are committed to being part of the present administration's history. Let it be on record that in His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu's 'People First'st agenda, that Nigerian Society of Engineers is fully involved. We are fully committed to lend our expertise in the provisions of infrastructure development to the State."
The Chairman who appealed to the Commissioners to see to the inclusivity of NSE in the scheme of affairs of the state expressed his organization's readiness to offer world-class services to ensure all Infrastructure provided in the state stand the test of time.
He restated NSE's commitment to contribute its quota in the development of infrastructure, adding that government is a shared responsibility and Engineers in the State would be glad to be part of the implementation and execution of policies that concern engineering.
Dr Ewa posited further that government's involvement of indigenous Engineers in the execution of projects across the State would, in no small measure, provide them ample opportunity to exhibit professional know-how, as well as afford budding engineers an avenue to gain practical experience in their professional career.
He also used the opportunity to appealed to the State Government to attend to the welfare needs of the organisation by providing it a bus for ease of movement.
The pleas were made during separate courtesy calls on the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and his Aviation counterpart, recently, in their offices in Calabar.
Dr Ewa, said the visit was imperative to congratulate the Commissioners on their appointments and also seek partnership with the Ministries in the actualisation of the policy thrusts of government as it concerns infrastructure development.
In his response, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo averred that the present administration's 'People First' mantra typifies inclusivity, which eloquently being demonstrated by policies of the Senator Bassey Otu's leadership.
The Commissioner called on NSE to be ready to contribute their quota for the overall benefits of the state, stating that no man is a compendium of knowledge.
Hon. Ankpo added that his office is open especially for the indigenous Engineers whom he referred to as his immediate constituency. He assured the group of conveying all their appeals to the Governor whom he believes will not hesitate to address such concerns.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Aviation, Capt Eno Utum Inah (Rtd.) thanked the group for according him the honour expressed by the visit, while describing Engineers as "indispensable in the development of key and standard infrastructure," adding that with the Governor Otu-led administration's determination to run a people oriented government, local content will be given priority attention.
