By Funmilola Gboteku

The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has tasked its newly chartered Ikeja Chapter on upholding professional standards, promoting ethical practices and embracing emerging technologies to advance engineering development.

The President of NATE, Mr Dominic Udoatan, gave the charge at the chartering of the Ikeja Chapter in Lagos.

The event was with the theme, “Building a Stronger Professional Community Through Unity, Collaboration and Excellence.”

Udoatan said that the chapter’s establishment represented institutional growth and a collective commitment to strengthening the engineering technology profession.

He said that the chapter should demonstrate its relevance through competence, innovation, integrity and practical contributions to national development.

‘’Engineering technologists must ensure that their practices meet the demands of modern infrastructure while complying with ethical guidelines and safety protocols that protect practitioners and the public.

“The strength of any professional association is not determined solely by its membership strength, but by the standards it upholds, opportunities it creates and difference it makes in society,” he said.

Udoatan said the challenges confronting industries, infrastructure and technological systems required skilled professionals capable of translating technical knowledge into practical solutions.

He described the chartering of the chapter as an opportunity to demonstrate the contributions of engineering technologists to Nigeria’s development.

The NATE president urged the chapter’s leadership to prioritise unity, professionalism and service, warning against personal interests and internal disagreements that could undermine its collective goals.

He also called for an environment where members could advance professionally, younger practitioners received mentorship and the association’s ideals translated into practical achievements.

“Your charter comes with both recognition and responsibility.

‘’You have been entrusted with the opportunity to build a chapter that will stand as a model of discipline, professional excellence and purposeful leadership,” he said.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Peter Ekong, Director-General, Nigerian College of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management, urged members to embrace emerging technologies.

According to him, this includes artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy, digital engineering, robotics and advanced manufacturing.

Ekong also urged engineering technologists to promote indigenous technological development by applying their expertise to local challenges, improving industrial productivity and supporting sustainable national development.

“The Ikeja chapter should become a centre of professional excellence where experienced practitioners mentor younger members and practical solutions are developed to address the needs of our society,” he said.

He urged the chapter to develop a clear programme of action, focused on membership expansion, continuous professional development, industry engagement and community service.

‘’Members should foster a professional culture that encourage mutual support, innovation and collective commitment to excellence, ‘’Ekong said.

Earlier, the Chairman of NATE, Lagos Branch, Mr Victor Oyedele, urged the new chapter to prioritise membership mobilisation and continuous professional development.

Oyedele expressed the expectation that the chapter would become a reference point for excellence, innovation, unity and purposeful leadership within the association.

He reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to supporting its chapters in promoting professional development, strengthening membership participation and advancing the association’s objectives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the inauguration of the Ikeja Chapter’s executive committee by Udoatan.

Dr Friday Ekpo emerged as Chairman, while Mr Michael Okikiri was appointed Vice-Chairman; Jane Essien emerged General Secretary, and Mr Kabir Mohammed was named Treasurer.

Other executive members are Financial Secretary, Abayomi Ipinmoroti; Membership Secretary Sunday Williamson; Technical Secretary Olushola Olanrenwaju; and Anietie Mandela, Publicity Secretary.

The event’s highlights include the presentation of awards to outstanding NATE members. (NAN)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah