Nigerian Engineers Converge on Abeokuta for 7th Sina Egberongbe Memorial Lecture, Call for Governance Reforms to Engineer National Productivity

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

In a major move geared towards re-engineering of Nigeria, engineers from across the country have conveged on Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital for the 7th Sina Egberongbe Memorial Lecture, calling for urgent reforms to governance in the country to drive national productivity.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the event, themed:“Re-Engineering Governance for National Productivity in Nigeria,” was organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch.

OTN News further reports that the event, which was intended to serve as both a tribute to one of Nigeria's distinguished engineers, also served as a critical forum for addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.

While delivering the lecture, the Managing Director of Kresta Laurel Limited, Engr. Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, emphasized the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s governance systems to unlock national productivity. 

He argued that while the country has the potential to achieve double-digit economic growth, poor governance, endemic corruption, and weak institutions have continually impeded progress.

Engr. Falobi described re-engineering governance as an intentional, structured process that includes clarifying roles and responsibilities, streamlining decision-making processes, fostering transparency and accountability, and cultivating a performance-driven public sector culture. He called for effective leadership, institutional reforms, and increased citizen participation as essential pillars for national transformation.

The event was graced by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, FNSE, who was represented by Engr. Temitayo Adegbuyi, FNSE.

The Deputy Governor reiterated the commitment of Ogun State government to partnering with professional bodies like the NSE in advancing development initiatives.

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, represented by the Deputy President, Engr. Ali Rabiu, MFR, FNSE, praised the Abeokuta Branch for sustaining the lecture series as a platform for thought leadership and professional dialogue.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the NSE Abeokuta Branch, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, FNSE, noted the significance of the annual lecture in preserving the legacy of the late Engr. Sina Egberongbe. “Engr. Egberongbe was a beacon of professionalism, humility, and service,” he said. “This lecture not only celebrates his life but challenges us to carry forward the values he lived by — excellence, integrity, and selfless dedication.”

Engr. Idowu emphasized the relevance of the lecture's theme, stating that “It calls on us to reflect on how Engineering principles — such as efficiency, transparency, and systems thinking — can be applied to governance. As engineers, we must not only design physical infrastructure but also help construct better institutions and governance frameworks.”

A significant highpoint of the 7th Sina Egberongbe Memorial Lecture was the moment a daughter of the late honouree, who graced the event, was given the microphone, and epressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire Sina Egberongbe family for the continued recognition of her father’s enduring legacy, sparking an emotional reconnection to the life and times of the late honourree.