Ughelli, Delta State — Transport and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s South-South region took center stage on Saturday, October 18, 2026, as leading engineers and stakeholders gathered for the inauguration of Engr. Gradeone Ogheneovo Idama as the 5th Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ughelli Branch.
The event, which doubled as a platform for policy discourse and professional engagement, featured Engr. Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Delta State University, Abraka, as Guest Lecturer.
Delivering a lecture titled “The State of Transport Infrastructure in the South-South: The Need for Urgent Attention,” Prof. Owamah highlighted the critical challenges confronting the region’s transport systems, warning that persistent neglect could undermine its economic relevance.
He noted that despite being a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy, particularly through oil and gas resources, the South-South region continues to operate on “weak and overstretched transport systems.”
According to him, the region is plagued by overburdened road networks, deteriorating strategic corridors such as the East–West Road, underutilized waterways, and the absence of functional rail alternatives.
“These are not just infrastructure gaps; they are barriers to growth,” he stated, emphasizing the need for immediate and coordinated intervention.
Prof. Owamah, however, expressed optimism that the situation could be reversed through deliberate and strategic actions. He advocated for the development of integrated multimodal transport systems, adoption of resilient engineering designs, and the establishment of a sustainable maintenance culture.
He also called for innovative financing mechanisms, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and stronger collaboration between engineering professionals and policymakers.
“The cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of fixing the problem,” he stressed.
The ceremony attracted prominent figures in the engineering community, including the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, who chaired the occasion, and Chief Daniel Omoyibo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Damotech Nigeria Limited and Dantinago Gold Resort, Oleh.
In his remarks, Prof. Owamah congratulated Engr. Idama on his emergence as Chairman and commended the outgoing chairman, Engr. Ejiro Iwemah, for his service to the branch.
The event was described by attendees as colourful and well-organized, reflecting the growing commitment within the engineering profession to contribute meaningfully to national development.
As discussions concluded, a clear message resonated among participants: the time for diagnosing infrastructure challenges in the South-South has passed—what is required now is decisive execution.
