…As ACEN Inaugurates Adebajo as 21st President

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Hamzat, and his Ogun State counterpart, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, have called on consulting engineers across Nigeria to uphold integrity, embrace innovation and champion sustainable development in shaping the nation’s infrastructure future.

They made the call on Thursday in Lagos at the investiture of Engr Kunle Adebajo as the 21st President of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN).

At the event, stakeholders underscored the central role of engineering in national growth and long-term economic transformation, stressing that the profession must rise to meet Nigeria’s mounting infrastructure demands.

Represented by Olufemi Daramola, Hamzat said the expectations placed on engineers were immense but must be embraced with “gratitude, humility and a deep sense of duty.”

“Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit remains a major barrier to economic growth, with millions lacking reliable electricity, safe water and efficient transportation,” he said.

“This development is desperately needed in this country. Everything we require for advancement in infrastructure, healthcare, energy, technology and connectivity depends on quality engineering products and processes.

“Engineering must go beyond technical execution to become thoughtful, ethical and people-centred.”

He urged professionals to uphold global safety standards, adopt digital innovation and serve as trusted policy influencers.

“We have the talent in Nigeria. When Nigerians go abroad, they do not just thrive; they lead. What we need is clear focus, standards and innovation. Together, the development of Nigeria is in our hands,” he added.

Salako-Oyedele described consulting engineering as sitting at a critical intersection of procurement standards, project governance, cost discipline and long-term asset performance.

“The advice you give today determines whether infrastructure stands the test of time or becomes a burden on future generations,” she said, urging the association to defend professional standards, prioritise mentorship and insist on continuous professional development.

In his acceptance speech, Engr. Kunle Adebajo pledged to lead with collaboration, innovation and professional excellence, outlining plans to strengthen ACEN’s policy influence, promote digital transformation and expand opportunities for young engineers.

Immediate past President, Engr. Kam-Selem Alhaji Bukar, highlighted milestones recorded during his tenure, including procurement advocacy, capacity building for smaller firms and expanded international partnerships.

Also present were Engr. Mayen Adetiba, the body’s 11th President, and Engr. Bamboo Adebowale. In his keynote address, Adebowale warned that engineering failures erode public trust and safety, urging ACEN to proactively shape procurement frameworks and policy design.

“Engineering must lead. Do not remain technically correct but strategically absent,” he said.

The event brought together government officials, industry leaders and academics, reaffirming ACEN’s strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure development and strengthening public confidence in the profession.