Young Engineers have been charged to embrace innovation, research and technological creativity as critical tools for addressing Nigeria’s security, safety and sustainable development challenges.
The charge was given by the Guest Speaker, Engr. Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, FNSE, FNICE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Delta State University, Abraka, during the inauguration of the new executive members of the Young Engineers Forum of Nigeria (YEFON), Asaba Chapter.
The event, held at Umukoro Hall, Ministry of Works, Summit Road, Asaba, Delta State, also featured a public lecture with the theme: “Engineering Innovation for Enhanced Security, Safety and Sustainable National Development: Empowering Young Engineers and Advancing Gender Inclusion.”
Prof. Owamah, while speaking at the gathering, emphasised the strategic role of young engineers in shaping Nigeria’s technological future, noting that the country’s growing security, infrastructure and environmental challenges require innovative solutions rather than dependence on conventional approaches.
He urged young professionals to move beyond the traditional practice of engineering and develop solutions that respond directly to the needs of society.
According to him, engineering must remain closely connected to research, technology and innovation if Nigeria is to achieve meaningful development and compete effectively in the global economy.
He encouraged members of YEFON to cultivate a culture of continuous learning, collaboration and problem-solving, stressing that young engineers possess the energy and creativity required to develop technologies capable of improving public safety, infrastructure and national security.
Prof. Owamah also highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, professional engineering bodies, government institutions and the private sector.
He said stronger partnerships would create opportunities for young engineers to translate academic knowledge and research into practical solutions capable of addressing real-life challenges.
The Guest Speaker further called for greater inclusion of women in engineering and technology, describing gender inclusion as an essential component of sustainable national development.
He noted that creating opportunities for female engineers to participate fully in research, leadership and innovation would broaden Nigeria’s pool of talent and strengthen the engineering profession.
The public lecture also provided an opportunity for participants to examine the relationship between engineering innovation and national security, with emphasis on the potential of technology to improve infrastructure resilience, emergency response, public safety and other critical sectors.
The inauguration equally marked the assumption of office of the new leadership of YEFON, Asaba Chapter, headed by Nwajuonye, who takes over the affairs of the chapter with a mandate to strengthen the organisation and promote professional development among young engineers.
The new executive was urged to make capacity building, mentorship, innovation and networking central to its programmes while creating platforms through which members can exchange ideas and develop solutions to contemporary challenges.
The ceremony brought together engineers, academics, professionals, young practitioners and other stakeholders who underscored the need for a new generation of engineers capable of combining professional competence with creativity, social responsibility and national service.
The new YEFON leadership, in its new phase, is expected to build on the objectives of the organisation by providing young engineers with opportunities for professional growth, knowledge sharing, leadership development and meaningful participation in national development.
The event ended with renewed calls for young engineers to see themselves not merely as professionals executing technical assignments, but as innovators and nation-builders whose ideas and inventions can contribute significantly to a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
