By Grace Alegba
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has unveiled a book aimed at promoting transformational leadership and strengthening institutional governance within the engineering profession.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book is titled “Grace-filled Footprints: A Chronicle of the Exploits of Margaret Oguntala NSE Presidency (2024–2025)”.
The book documents the leadership journey, reforms and milestones recorded during the tenure of Oguntala as President and Chairman-in-Council of the society.
Speaking at the hybrid unveiling convened in Lagos, Oguntala said that the publication was a story of service anchored on purpose and responsibility rather than perfection.
“This book captures a story of service, not about perfection, but of purpose and responsibility.
“The title was carefully chosen because every step taken during my tenure was guided by grace: grace to lead, to listen, to endure and to serve,” she said.
Oguntala said that the book documented the collective efforts of the council to leave enduring footprints of integrity, inclusiveness and innovation in engineering practice and national development.
“Together, we sought to leave footprints of integrity in governance, inclusiveness in leadership, innovation in engineering practice and impact in our national development,” she said.
According to her, the 2024/2025 NSE leadership focused on strengthening institutional trust, deepening professional relevance and repositioning engineering as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic and technological future.
She listed the priority areas to include amplifying the voices of engineers in national discourse, empowering young and women engineers, strengthening partnerships with industry, academia and government, as well as promoting professionalism.
According to her, the book offered principles rather than rigid prescriptions.
She expressed appreciation to those who documented the journey, noting that the book was intended to inspire leadership anchored on character and service.
Also speaking, the President-Elect of the society, Mr Ali Rabiu, commended Oguntala for her contributions to the engineering profession.
“This book will serve as a veritable reference material on leadership and governance for future leaders of the society,” he said.
He pledged to sustain leadership built on dignity, dedication and integrity for the benefit of NSE.
A past president of the society, Mr Kashim Ali, lauded Oguntala’s efforts, describing her tenure as one that laid a solid foundation for women and the engineering community at large.
Mr Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Ltd. said Oguntala, having distinguished herself on all fronts, should be emulated by other engineers.
Also, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola, represented by Mr Andrew Enwemada, Executive Management Advisor, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Ltd., said the book captured Oguntala’s achievements as a trailblazer.
Reading the foreword, Babalola said the publication chronicled how the NSE transitioned from planning to progress, including the evolution of its digital initiatives.
He noted that Oguntala’s tenure witnessed the establishment of seven bureaus, six within Nigeria and one overseas, as well as a 12 per cent membership growth over two years.
“More remarkable was the achievement of 100 per cent budget performance, which demonstrated exemplary fiscal discipline,” he said.
Babalola noted that the revitalisation of the NSE think-tank through collaborations with institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) further expanded the society’s national relevance.
“I recommend this book to all and sundry for study and application,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Sandra Umeh
