NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS HONOURS AIYEDATIWA WITH INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AWARD
…As Tunji Ariyomo Institutes N10 million Annual Engineering Innovation And Professional Excellence Prize
…Intervention To Recognise Technical Ingenuity And Professional Accomplishments – Ariyomo
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure-led economic growth, enhanced productivity and sustainable development, describing engineering as a critical catalyst for industrialisation, job creation and national prosperity.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Olayide Adelami made this declaration on Thursday October 29, 2026 at the inauguration of the new Chairman of the Akure Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), where he received the Society’s Award of Excellence in Infrastructure Development in recognition of his administration’s investments in urban infrastructure, road networks and rural development.
A major highlight of the gathering was the presentation of a ₦10 million take-off grant by accomplished technology and investment guru, Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo, FNSE, to institute an annual engineering innovation and professional excellence prize.
The initiative, designed to reward outstanding emerging innovators and accomplished engineering practitioners, seeks to stimulate indigenous technological creativity, encourage productive enterprise and celebrate sustained contributions to engineering practice.
According to Ariyomo “in the wake of the looming olodo uprising, the intervention establishes an alternative pathway for recognising technical ingenuity and professional accomplishment, particularly at a time when Nigeria urgently requires homegrown technological solutions, stronger industrial capacity and greater investment in the productive capabilities of its citizens”.
The annual prize is expected to strengthen the relationship between engineering excellence and economic productivity by encouraging young innovators to pursue practical solutions to societal challenges while recognising established practitioners whose professional contributions have advanced engineering development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa later emphasised that Nigeria’s development aspirations must be anchored on productive infrastructure that expands economic opportunities, strengthens industrial competitiveness, improves connectivity and unlocks the economic potential of communities.
According to him, infrastructure development must transcend the physical construction of roads, bridges and public facilities to deliver measurable improvements in economic productivity, quality of life and shared prosperity.
“It is the bridge between a people’s potential and their prosperity. Roads connect farmers to markets, businesses to opportunities and communities to essential services. Bridges overcome physical barriers, while functional public facilities expand access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity,” the Governor stated.
“Infrastructure, therefore, is not simply about concrete, steel and asphalt; it is about human progress, social inclusion and the possibilities we create for generations yet unborn.”
Receiving the award, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to the engineering community, describing the recognition as an encouragement to intensify his administration’s development efforts.
“I receive this honour with humility, mindful that the true worth of recognition lies not merely in the distinction it confers, but in the greater responsibility it inspires.
“Although this award is presented to me as Governor, I regard it as an acknowledgement of the collective efforts of our administration, our dedicated public servants, development partners and professionals whose expertise contributes to building a stronger Ondo State,” he said.
The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to deepen collaboration with engineering professionals and other technical institutions in delivering infrastructure that supports economic diversification, enterprise development and improved public services.
He congratulated the newly inaugurated Chairman of the NSE Akure Branch, Engr. Folasade Eniafe, and urged the engineering community to remain at the forefront of technological innovation, professional excellence and solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges.
Presenting the award, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Rabiu, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the quality of completed and ongoing road infrastructure projects in Akure and other parts of Ondo State.
Engr. Rabiu reiterated the Society’s commitment to constructive collaboration with the State Government, particularly in advancing engineering-driven solutions to infrastructure deficits and other developmental challenges.
In her inaugural address, the new NSE Akure Branch Chairman, Engr. Folasade Eniafe, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his support for the engineering profession and the development of Ondo State.
She outlined her administration’s priorities to include the completion of the Branch’s office, improved welfare programmes, professional capacity development and initiatives aimed at strengthening the institutional relevance of the Society.
Furthermore, Engr Ariyomo, who retired from competitive politics in 2021 to fully face technology development and investment, gave the sum of N2 million each to the new NSE Executive as well as the new Executive of the state chapter of APWEN, the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria, to help the two teams hit the ground running.
The 2026 inauguration ceremony marked the first time that women will take charge of the two leading engineering professional bodies in Ondo State and the event brought together engineering professionals, business icons, government officials and other stakeholders, reinforcing the strategic role of professional institutions, public-private collaboration and targeted investment in human capital in translating engineering knowledge into tangible economic and societal benefits.
