Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, has emphasized the crucial role of engineers in the development of the state, particularly in the New Yenagoa City project. He made this statement during a courtesy visit by members of the Yenagoa branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at Government House, Yenagoa. Dr. Akpe highlighted that engineers occupy a strategic position in the development of any city and stressed that Bayelsa, being a rapidly developing state, needs their professional expertise.
Dr. Akpe noted that building collapse and failed projects are often due to the failure to engage qualified engineers or the compromise of standards by professionals. He emphasized that engineers are master planners and that their expertise is essential in achieving the best results in city development. The Deputy Governor recalled the significant role played by local engineers, including Engr. Moses Dika and Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, in the state’s gas turbine project, and assured the NSE of the government's support for its programs.
The Chairman of the Yenagoa Branch of the NSE, Engr. Eluanatein Mac-Jokori, stated that the visit aimed to strengthen strategic partnership with the State Government. He congratulated Dr. Akpe on his appointment as Deputy Governor and appealed for government sponsorship of members to attend NSE and COREN training programs and other conferences. Mac-Jokori also solicited support for the promotion of engineering education and the construction of a 500-meter access road to the NSE Yenagoa flagship Engineering Resource Centre.
Dr. Akpe assured the NSE that the government would support its programs but advised that funding requests for training should be made collectively through the association and not by individual members. This, he believes, will ensure that the government's support is utilized effectively. The Deputy Governor's assurance is expected to boost the morale of engineers in the state and encourage them to contribute to the development of Bayelsa.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) plays a vital role in promoting the engineering profession in Nigeria. The Yenagoa branch, in particular, has been actively engaging with the state government to promote engineering education and infrastructure development. The visit to the Deputy Governor was a testament to the association's efforts to build a stronger relationship with the government and contribute to the state's development.
In a related development, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has charged contractors and consultants handling its projects across the Niger Delta to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to ensure faster and sustainable project delivery. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, gave the charge while declaring open a three-day sensitization program recently in Port Harcourt.
The NDDC's emphasis on ADR mechanisms is aimed at preventing conflicts from escalating and ensuring that projects are completed on time. The Commission recognizes that disagreements can arise during project execution, but believes that these issues can be resolved promptly through professional management. By adopting ADR mechanisms, contractors and consultants can help to reduce project delays and costs, and improve relationships with host communities.
Key points
- Dr. Peter Akpe emphasizes the crucial role of engineers in Bayelsa's development.
- The NSE seeks government support for engineering education and infrastructure development.
- The NDDC promotes Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms for faster project delivery.
