By Festus Oseji & Peter Ibezim
The Investiture ceremony of Engr. Kunle Adebajo, FNSE, FNIStructE, as the 21st president of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) was held recently at the prestigious Muson Centre, Onikan, was a bright and colorful event, packed with key dignitaries in the engineering industry.
In attendance were the deputy governors of Ogun state, Her Excellency, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, FNSE, and also the deputy governor of Lagos state, ably represented by the Special Adviser to the governor office on infrastructure Engr. Olufemi Olubunmi Daramola, FNSE; Senator Iyiola Omisore, FNSE.
Welcoming the guest the chairman of the investiture planning committee, Engr. Mrs. Mayen Adetiba, FNSE, FAEng, FNIStructE, kicked off the ceremony with her opening speech as she welcomed everyone to the event just before stating some of the core values of ACEN as an institution and its essential role in the developmental strides of a developing nation like Nigeria.
She appreciated the past presidents of the ACEN for their relentless efforts thus far towards the maintenance and sustainability of the institution’s long lasting principles, and at the same time, upholding the core values of the association. She assured the audience of her confidence in the ability of the incoming president to steer the institution through the right path to its desired destination.
The immediate past president of ACEN Engr. Kam-Salem Bukar, FNSE, in his speech, was appreciative of the privilege to have served the association in its highest capacity. After which he briefly laid out some of the achievements recorded during his administration, which according to him has been documented in a well printed memoir for the association. Furthermore, he promised to cooperate and support the incoming president whenever the need arises for the benefits of the association, its members and the nation.
The guest speaker, Mr. Bambo Adebowale, introduced by Engr. Mrs. Debo Akinbanjo, gave a robust, but detailed speech as he highlighted the various facets through which ACEN as an association can improve their impact and effectiveness towards the development of the economy while still upholding the core values of the association.
This was followed by the hand-over of the medallion from Engr. Kam-Salem Alhaji Bukar, FNSE, the immediate past president to the new president Engr. Kunle Adebajo FNSE, FNISTructE, anchored by Engr. K.A. Adeola, FNSE, FAEng.
In his acceptance speech the new president appreciates all the guests present, and also acknowledged the giant strides made by his predecessors to uphold the association’s values over the years. He also acknowledged the current underdeveloped state of the nation, and promised to work on reducing the gap between ethical engineering ideas and its execution.
He also beckoned on the association for their support in his administration, stating that “It’s a call for collective action and a renewal of our shared commitment to engineering excellence.”
In conclusion, the deputy governor of Ogun state Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, FNSE, congratulated the incoming president and charged him to maintain and strengthen the association (ACEN), deepen public confidence in consulting engineering and inspire the next generation to pursue excellence without compromise.
The representative of the deputy governor of Lagos state, the Special Adviser to the governor’s office of infrastructure Engr. Olufemi Olubunmi Daramola, FNSE, expressed his pleasure to be at the event, and at the same time, welcomed everyone to Lagos State as a hub for enterprise and opportunities.
He also congratulated the new president on his personal and professional achievements over the years. In summary, he buttressed on the quintessential role of ACEN to the development of the Lagos state in particular and the country at large; and urged the incoming president to always uphold the values of the association optimally and at a high esteem.
Other notable engineers and dignitaries at the event include; QS. Segun Ajalekoko, FNIQS, past president of NIQS; Prof. Toyin Ashiru, FNSE, FAEng; Engr. Aramide Adeyoye the immediate past special adviser to Lagos state governor on infrastructure; Engr. Charles Akindayomi, FNSE; Engr. F. Ajibade Oke, FNSE; Engr. George Okoroma, FNSE, FAEng; Engr. Dr. Charles Mbelede, FNSE; Engr. Emmanuel Akinwole, FNSE; Engr. Wale Lagunju, FNSE; Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, FNSE; and Engr. Olufunmilayo Kadri, FNSE, Managing Director of ACEN.
SOURCE: IN HOUSE
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