By Moses Okorie
The newly sworn in chairman, FCT chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME-3M), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engineer Kingsley Udoh Akpan has promised to provide solutions to major challenges bedeviling successes of the institution in Abuja.
Akpan, now the fourth chairman of NIMMME-3M of FCT chapter, stated this on Thursday in his anaugural speech at the headquarters of the NSE in Abuja where he, alongside other members of his executive, took their oath of office at a one-day Stakeholders Roundtable and Inauguration Ceremony with the theme ‘Strengthening 3M Collaboration for Sustainable Industrial Growth in Nigeria’.
According to him, “As the 4th chairman of the Institution, Abuja Chapter, my team and I, in consultation with members and stakeholders, will strive hard to provide solutions to the three major challenges of the institute; membership drive, fund and publicity.
He promised to work with relevant ministries that have direct bearing with their profession, and to bridge the gap between government, academia and industry in the area of the activities of NIMMME-3M, and described Mining and Metal Industry as key drivers to industrialisation of any nation.
He believed that Metallurgical, Mining and Materials sector can create employment opportunities for teeming Nigerian youths and middle-aged persons, as well as generate foreign exchange and internal revenue,
Highpoint of the event was the swearing in of Chief Kingsley Udoh Akpan by his predecessor and immediate past chairman, FCT chapter of NIMMME-3M, Engineer Ugoji Oji, while Akpan in turn swore in other members of his executive namely; Engineer Chika Okeoma Okwuolisa, Engineer Obianuju Precious Onyemelukwe, Queen Ekoh Ediagbonya, Engineer Oladele Ajani and Engineer Franklin Ezenwuwa.
Engineer Oji welcomed all members and appreciated Akpan for stepping in to continue with the good work. He expressed confidence in the capability of his successor to pilot the Abuja chapter of NIMMME-3M, and called on members to give him well-deserved cooperation to enable him succeed.
Delivering a lecture, a Power engineer and past president of NSE, Engr Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil lamented that Nigeria’s economy is dependent on crude oil revenue while the country is sitting on solid minerals. He called for collaboration amongst various engineering sectors and manufacturers so as to harness the economic potentials at the disposal of Nigeria.
“We are blessed,however we need to use the blessing judiciously. The problem is not discovering more material, but collaboration. Unfortunately, illegal mining has given birth to banditry especially in a state like Zamfara.
Adding his voice, the National Chairman of NIMMME-3M, Engineer Michael Ifeanyi Orekyeh encouraged the new FCT team to work hard, and said a lot is expected from them, if the organisation would achieve desired goals, even as he believed that the new chairman has great potentials to deliver.
“As we inaugurate Abuja Chapter today, we need more than ever, a good, focused and disciplined team to work for the national body, our corporate interests and assignments to be coordinated here in Abuja”, he said.
The event had in attendance dignitaries from different fields including the special guest of honour, Chief Chima Onwuzulike who is also the chairman of Socam Consult Limited; royal father of the day, Obong Itoro Monday John, Minister of Solid Mineral Development,Dr. Dele Alake who was represented by Engineer Frank Odoom.
Odoom pledged commitment of his ministry to work in partnership with NIMMME-3M to ensure level playing field for their job to thrive.
Engineer Akpan is a Knight of Saint John International and currently the House of Representatives candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Abasi/Mkpat Enin/ Eastern Obolo in Akwa Ibom State.