The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Owerri Branch, has urged for a technological revolution in Nigeria's agricultural sector to convert raw materials into finished products, create employment, and generate economic value. This call was made during the 10th Engr. Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu Annual Lecture Series, held at the Engineering Centre, Owerri. The event's theme was "Advocacy for Good Governance and Engineering Interventions for Sustainable Development," with a sub-theme focusing on value addition through technological transformation of the Nigerian agrarian economy.
The lecture series emphasized the need for collaboration among government, private investors, engineers, and professionals to develop Nigeria's agricultural sector and maximize its economic potential. Speakers stressed that effective processing and value addition to agricultural products would reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported goods, increase local production, create jobs, and strengthen the nation's economy. The event featured Professor N. A. A. Okereke, a Professor of Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), as the lecturer.
Professor Okereke highlighted the importance of technological transformation in the agricultural sector to reduce unemployment and create sustainable economic opportunities. He noted that agriculture has enormous potential to reduce unemployment, increase food production, and create wealth if its value chains are properly developed. Okereke advocated for a shift from exporting raw agricultural commodities to processing them into finished and semi-finished goods within Nigeria.
Okereke called on government and stakeholders to support agricultural processing and industrialization through investments in modern technology, infrastructure, and critical enablers. This, he believes, would create employment opportunities, improve food security, and strengthen the country's economy. The lecturer's insights were commended by the Chairman of the NSE, Owerri Branch, Engr. Chibuike Onyejietu, FNSE.
Engr. Onyejietu appreciated Lady Frances Iwuanyanwu and the Iwuanyanwu family for sustaining the legacy of the late engineering icon, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu. He also acknowledged the presence and leadership of the President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, who chaired the occasion. Onyejietu expressed appreciation for Rabiu's leadership and contributions to the engineering profession.
Onyejietu emphasized that engineers have a responsibility to translate ideas into practical solutions capable of driving national development. He noted that good governance must create an environment for engineering solutions to thrive, while engineers must provide the technology, innovation, and professional discipline required to transform the economy. As he prepares to leave office, Onyejietu expressed his conviction that engineers must focus on developing solutions to the country's challenges.
The NSE, Owerri Branch, is committed to building on the legacy of Engr. (Dr.) Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, FNSE, OFR, CFR, MFR, FNICE, ALOHA. Onyejietu concluded that Nigeria must produce, transform, and build to move forward. The event demonstrated the engineering community's commitment to finding solutions to Nigeria's challenges and driving sustainable development.
Key points
- The Nigerian Society of Engineers is advocating for a technological revolution in the agricultural sector to boost the economy and create jobs.
- The 10th Engr. Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu Annual Lecture Series emphasized the need for collaboration to develop Nigeria's agricultural sector.
- Speakers at the event stressed the importance of effective processing and value addition to agricultural products to reduce dependence on imported goods.
