MARGARET OGUNTALA: NSE Broken the Monopoly of 65years, Ushering New Era - Hon. Aderemi Oseni Abasi




By Genesis Ogiri, Abuja


History was made in Abuja on Saturday as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, inaugurated its first-ever female president, Engr.  Margaret Aina Oguntala.

Saturday NEWSWAY reports that Mrs. Oguntala with her inauguration became the 34th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

 Rt.Hon. (Engr) Aderemi Oseni Abasi  discribed Engr. Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala FNSE, as the mother of the modern day engineering in Nigeria, and the woman of good Virtue, she  took the engineering world by storm when she against all odds broke the 65 years monopoly of male engineers as presidents of the prestigious association.

Honourable  Aderemi Oseni
who represents the good people of Ibarapa East/ Ido federal Constituency, Chairman House Committee  FERMA,  maintained that her achievement is not only a testament to her outstanding leadership but also a significant milestone for women in engineering across the nation. I applaud her trailblazing spirit and commitment to advancing the engineering profession.


The alated Civil Engineer,  Dr . ADEREMI Oseni said Margaret can do it, she  has come to advance development. With her  there is no more barriers for other females engineers. " I will support all her programs, we need to nurture the younger engineers for better future, he said". 

The Lawmaker who is also the Chief Executive officer of the step Development limited, a wholly indigenous outfit that is fully engaged in construction engineering and sedabuk oil and gas, Said " the NSE has breaken the jinx, what a man can do woman can do better. She is an erudite engineer with track records of achievement.

“She’s coming in as president with her pool of experience, exposure and networks to further consolidate on the giant strides of Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Wudil who under his leadership made history by produced the first female president.”

“It’s a new dawn in the history of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, as the incumbent and 33rd president, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, hands over the baton of leadership to the 34th and first female president in the 65 years history of the NSE".

According to  Hon.  Oseni 
“What we witnessed on this historic 20 January, 2024 is a powerful signals that gender is never a limit to opportunities for anyone in any field of expertise in Nigeria”. I trust that she will lead the Nigerian Society of Engineers to greate heights. As the first female President, we are confident that she will bring fresh developmental perspective, innovative ideas, and a deep commitment to empowering young engineers”.
 
" I wants Oguntala to use her position to promote the advancement of NSE  by leveraging her expertise and leadership to foster mentorship programs, establish platforms for exchange of knowledge, advocate for policies that will encourage female representations at both local and international levels in the profession. Also to follow the programs she has rolled out squelly. Also to reunite the engineering family.

Hon. ABASI said "Engr. Margaret Oguntala bears the hallmark of being the association’s first female president in its 65-year existence. However, she has been a member of the society since 1996 and became a fellow in 2010. From 2010 to 2021, the president has served in different capacities, including Chairman of the Ikeja branch, National Exco member, Vice president and deputy president.

As an NSE veteran, Engr. Oguntala,
a three-time Vice President of the association, holds an impressive record, having received over 53 awards. Among these accolades are the prestigious NSE Presidential Awards. She has also been honoured with the APWEN Innovative Leader Award, APBN Meritorious Service awards, and recognitions from various NSE Branches and Divisions.

Speaking shortly after her investiture, she urged the Federal Government to implement fully the presidential order 5 which promotes the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services. 

She called on the government to amongst other things “implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some of the states that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service. Formulate a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.

“Implement Executive Order 5 with sincerity of purpose.

Promote Nigerian-made goods and services. Have the Presidency invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed “Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit” as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.

“Encourage
entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and

startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage

more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-

Earlier in his Keynote Address,  Senator President Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first first female president. 

Represented by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin, Akpabio said: “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries. It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering.

“Thirty-three men have come before her
, serving as presidents of this great body. They have worked tirelessly to make the NSE the outstanding professional organization it is today. Let us applaud their efforts. However, the time has come for the NSE to enter the labor room and give birth to a new version of itself”. 

He charged the NSE new leadership to focus on the education and training of young engineers, adding that “We must strive to equip our engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete on a global scale. 

This can be achieved through partnerships with educational institutions, industry leaders, and professional organizations. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can ensure that our engineers are armed with the latest tools and techniques to tackle complex engineering problems”.

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