The newly sworn-in chairman of the 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 hindering the institution's success in Abuja.
Akpan, now the fourth chairman of NIMMME-3M in the FCT, made this commitment on Thursday during his inaugural speech at the NSE headquarters in Abuja. He and other executive members took their oath of office at a one-day Stakeholders Roundtable and Inauguration Ceremony themed '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, funding, and publicity.' He promised to work with relevant ministries connected to their profession and to bridge the gap between government, academia, and industry regarding NIMMME-3M activities. He described the Mining and Metal Industry as key drivers to the industrialisation of any nation.
Akpan believes that the Metallurgical, Mining, and Materials sector can create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths and middle-aged persons, as well as generate foreign exchange and internal revenue.
Swearing-in Ceremony
The highlight of the event was the swearing-in of Chief Kingsley Udoh Akpan by his predecessor and immediate past chairman of the FCT chapter, Engineer Ugoji Oji. Akpan then swore in other executive members, including Engineer Chika Okeoma Okwuolisa, Engineer Obianuju Precious Onyemelukwe, Queen Ekoh Ediagbonya, Engineer Oladele Ajani, and Engineer Franklin Ezenwuwa.
Engineer Oji welcomed all members and thanked Akpan for stepping in to continue the good work. He expressed confidence in his successor's ability to lead the Abuja chapter and called on members to cooperate fully to ensure success.
Expert Lecture on Economic Potential
Delivering a lecture, Power engineer and past president of NSE, Engr Tasiu Sa'ad Gidari-Wudil, lamented that Nigeria's economy depends on crude oil revenue while the country sits on solid minerals. He called for collaboration among various engineering sectors and manufacturers to harness Nigeria's economic potentials. '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,' he said.
The National Chairman of NIMMME-3M, Engineer Michael Ifeanyi Orekyeh, encouraged the new FCT team to work hard, stating that much is expected from them if the organisation is to achieve its goals. He expressed confidence that the new chairman has great potential 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 noted.
Dignitaries and Partnerships
The event was attended by dignitaries from various fields, including the special guest of honour, Chief Chima Onwuzulike, who is also the chairman of Socam Consult Limited; the royal father of the day, Obong Itoro Monday John; and the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by Engineer Frank Odoom. Odoom pledged his ministry's commitment to partnering with NIMMME-3M to ensure a level playing field for their work 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.
