Kingsley Ohens reporting 

Ekpoma, Edo State | July 23, 2026

Nigeria’s quest for technological self-reliance took centre stage on Thursday as engineering professionals, academics, policymakers, industry leaders and students converged at the Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Auditorium, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, for the 4th Engr. Adams Calistus Okoene Annual Public Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ekpoma Branch.

With the theme, “Development of Local Technology: What Level Are We in Nigeria?”, the event provided a robust platform for examining the nation’s progress in indigenous technology, innovation, research commercialization and engineering-driven national development.

The ceremony was chaired by the National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, who was represented by Engr. Prof. Emmanuel E. Aluyor, FNSE, former Vice Chancellor of Edo University, Iyamho, and current Vice Chancellor of Mudiamen University, Irrua.

Delivering the Chairman’s remarks, Prof. Aluyor underscored the strategic importance of developing homegrown technologies capable of addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges. He stressed that sustainable economic growth would depend largely on the country’s ability to harness indigenous engineering expertise, strengthen innovation ecosystems and reduce dependence on imported technologies. He also commended the NSE Ekpoma Branch for sustaining an intellectual tradition that continues to shape conversations around engineering and national development.

The keynote lecture was delivered on behalf of Engr. Prof. Sunday Ohousi Onohaebi, FNSE, by Engr. Dr. E. S. Okonofua, pioneer Secretary of the NSE Oredo Branch.

The lecture offered a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s technological landscape, identifying the persistent disconnect between academic research and industrial application as one of the major impediments to national development. The lecturer advocated deliberate government policies that would encourage local manufacturing, promote commercialization of research outputs and provide stronger institutional support for indigenous innovations. Engineers, he noted, must continue to provide practical solutions to local challenges using locally available materials and technologies.

Serving as Chief Host, the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Mrs. Eunice Omonzejie, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with professional bodies in advancing engineering education and research.

One of the defining moments of the ceremony came when the Vice Chancellor announced the university’s readiness to allocate a parcel of land within the institution for the construction of a permanent secretariat for the NSE Ekpoma Branch. The announcement drew enthusiastic applause from participants and was widely regarded as a significant milestone in the growth of the branch.

The annual lecture also celebrated the remarkable legacy of its laureate, Engr. Adams Calistus Okoene, whose 80th birthday comes up on July 25, 2026. Although unavoidably absent, he was represented by the immediate past Chairman of the NSE Ekpoma Branch, Engr. Louis Olumese Ighalo.

Tributes paid during the ceremony highlighted Engr. Okoene’s decades of exemplary service to the engineering profession, his commitment to professional development and his enduring mentorship of generations of engineers. Participants offered prayers for his continued good health and celebrated his lasting contributions to engineering practice in Nigeria.

Another major highlight of the event was the presentation of Distinguished Personality Awards to outstanding individuals whose professional accomplishments and contributions have positively impacted engineering, business and national development.

The award recipients were:

• Rt. Hon. Chief Engr. Victor Sabo Edoro, Commissioner, Federal Character Commission.
• Engr. Stanley O’Tunde Izokun, FNSE, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Comdale Properties Limited.
• Ambassador Julius Aluebhosele, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Affluence Holdings.
• Dr. Omokhodion E. Lucky, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ehimultisystem, Lagos.
• Ambassador Eghobor Paul Smith, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Pinnacle Exotic Worldwide, Abuja.
• Engr. Jerry Osemhelu Akhigbe, MNSE, Director of Physical Planning, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

The recipients were applauded for their distinguished careers, leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s socioeconomic advancement.

The Special Guest of Honour, Senator Dr. Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Prosper Iyere.

Speaking on behalf of the senator, Hon. Iyere reaffirmed Senator Ikpea’s commitment to legislative initiatives that encourage engineering innovation, local content development, infrastructure expansion and policies capable of accelerating Nigeria’s technological transformation.

The Chairman of the NSE Ekpoma Branch, Engr. Dr. Sunday Fidelis Iyere, MNSE, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the National President of the Society, the guest lecturer, the leadership of Ambrose Alli University, award recipients, invited guests, members of the engineering community and all participants whose contributions ensured the success of the programme. He reiterated the branch’s resolve to continue promoting engineering excellence, professional development and technology-driven national progress.

The lecture attracted an impressive gathering of engineering professionals, academics, university administrators and students, including Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Ufuah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AAU; Engr. Prof. and Prof. (Mrs.) A.M.O. Obiaze; Engr. Prof. S. Adavbiele; Engr. Prof. Austin O. Osahenvemwen, Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors, AAU; Mr. Harry Eguaoje, Registrar of Mudiamen University; Engr. Francis Oigbochie; Engr. Charles Onobhayo, Vice Chairman of NSE Ekpoma Branch and Member of the Edo State Ecological Commission; Engr. Jatto Daniel, Secretary of the branch, alongside heads of departments, faculty members and students.

A defining feature of this year’s edition was the presence of two serving Vice Chancellors—Prof. Mrs. Eunice Omonzejie of Ambrose Alli University and Engr. Prof. Emmanuel E. Aluyor of Mudiamen University—symbolising the growing collaboration between academia and professional engineering institutions in advancing innovation and sustainable development.

Beyond the stimulating intellectual discourse, the commitment to establish a permanent secretariat for the NSE Ekpoma Branch emerged as one of the most significant outcomes of the event, reflecting renewed institutional support for engineering practice within the region.

As Nigeria continues to pursue industrialisation and economic diversification, participants agreed that stronger collaboration among government, universities, research institutions, professional bodies and the private sector remains essential to unlocking the country’s technological potential.

The 2026 Engr. Adams Calistus Okoene Annual Public Lecture concluded with renewed optimism that sustained investment in indigenous innovation, engineering research and local technology development will play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s future competitiveness and national development.