By Our Reporter
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has stressed that engineering, innovation and technology must remain at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda if the country is to achieve sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and global competitiveness.
Yilwatda stated this on Tuesday after participating in the opening ceremony of the 34th Engineering Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja, where engineering professionals, policymakers, academics, industry leaders and other stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the future of engineering practice in the country.
The APC National Chairman, himself an engineer, described the annual assembly as both timely and inspiring, saying it underscored the strategic importance of engineering as a catalyst for nation-building, economic prosperity and social progress.
According to him, the theme of this year’s assembly, “Shaping Solutions. Building a Greater Future,” aptly reflects the enormous responsibility placed on engineers at a time when Nigeria and the global community are confronted with increasingly complex developmental challenges requiring innovative, practical and technology-driven solutions.
He said engineering must go beyond technical competence to embrace visionary leadership, creativity, research, ethical standards and a commitment to solving real-life problems affecting society.
“Engineering is not merely a profession but a strategic instrument for nation-building, economic prosperity and social progress,” Yilwatda said.
He noted that engineers have a critical role to play in designing systems that improve healthcare delivery, modernise agriculture, develop resilient infrastructure, expand digital connectivity, promote sustainable energy and drive industrial growth.
The APC chairman emphasised that building a prosperous future requires deliberate investments in engineering education, research, innovation and local capacity development.
According to him, countries that have successfully transformed their economies achieved such progress by empowering engineers, scientists and innovators to develop indigenous solutions tailored to national priorities.
Yilwatda observed that Nigeria possesses abundant human and natural resources capable of driving technological advancement, provided they are supported by sound government policies, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in science, engineering and innovation.
He added that engineering remains indispensable to the successful execution of major infrastructure projects, including roads, rail transportation, bridges, housing, water resources, electricity generation and transmission, telecommunications, manufacturing, mining and the rapidly expanding digital economy.
The APC National Chairman said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises infrastructure and technological advancement as key pillars of national development, making the contributions of engineering professionals essential to translating government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He urged Nigerian engineers to position themselves at the forefront of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, green construction technologies, data science and advanced manufacturing.
According to him, embracing these technologies while upholding professionalism, ethical standards and continuous learning will enable Nigerian engineers to remain globally competitive and contribute more effectively to national development.
Yilwatda also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulatory agencies, universities, professional bodies and the private sector, stressing that sustainable national development can only be achieved through coordinated efforts that harness the expertise of all stakeholders.
He commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for promoting professional excellence, strengthening engineering regulation, safeguarding public safety and ensuring that engineering practice in Nigeria meets international standards.
The APC chairman described the annual Engineering Assembly as an important platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, mentorship and policy dialogue, expressing confidence that resolutions from the conference would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrialisation and infrastructure development.
He also encouraged young engineers to pursue excellence, innovation and integrity, assuring them that the future belongs to professionals who combine technical competence with visionary leadership and a commitment to public service.
Yilwatda reaffirmed his confidence in the ability of Nigerian engineers to provide practical solutions to the country’s infrastructure deficit, improve productivity, create jobs and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
He expressed optimism that discussions and partnerships fostered at the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly would further strengthen the engineering profession and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable development and technological advancement.
“By harnessing our collective knowledge, embracing innovation, upholding professionalism and working together across sectors, we can truly shape lasting solutions and build the greater future that every Nigerian deserves,” he said.
