Fawaz Adebisi
Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, has attributed many of the challenges facing Nigeria’s engineering sector to interference by politicians and lawmakers, who often override professional recommendations.
Speaking at a public lecture organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Abeokuta Branch, on Wednesday, Akinsanya called on engineers to actively join politics to influence policy and ensure adherence to technical standards.
The event, held at the Bolude Oyebolu Engineering Centre in Abeokuta, was a memorial lecture in honor of the late Engr. Venerable Michael Bamgboye Joda, former Ogun State Commissioner for Education.
Themed “Engineering Standards Under the Nigerian Energy and Electricity Laws: Imperatives for Engineering Professionals,” it drew engineers, policymakers, politicians, and dignitaries, including NSE President Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu as chairman, Obafemi Owode Local government chairman, Lanre Ogunsola, Commissioner of Education, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, among many other special guests of honor.
In his comments, Akinsanya highlighted how non-engineers in positions of power frequently compromise infrastructure projects.
“You all know what is right. Engineers know what is right. But sometimes, the person controlling the finance is not an engineer. And when you tell them the specifications, they may still insist on what they want,” he said. “That is where the problem lies.”
Drawing from his experience, Akinsanya referenced federal-level initiatives and his time at the University of Lagos, where engineer-led decisions resulted in superior outcomes.
“If we are very attentive to engineers, we will make a lot of progress. An example is what is being done at the federal level today. We have been advocating for concrete pavement on roads right from my days at the University of Lagos,” he explained.
“When I was at the University of Lagos, it was one of the few places where I saw good pavement. Why? Because engineers were in charge.”
He urged engineers to emulate the late Joda by entering politics in greater numbers to amplify their voices.
“As earlier stated, I want to encourage our leaders to join politics. Let us copy Engineer Joda. It is only when we are many in number that we can change policies,” Akinsanya emphasized.
“It is only when we are many that we can stand on our feet and say, ‘This is the professional analysis, and we will not do otherwise.’ If you are only one person among eighty, your voice may be ignored.”
The commissioner’s remarks resonated with the audience, aligning with the event’s focus on engineers’ roles in energy laws.
Hosted by the NSE Abeokuta Branch Chairman, Engr. Olumuyiwa Ayodeji, the lecture underscored the need for professional involvement in governance to address issues like overloaded roads and substandard buildings, which Akinsanya attributed to ignored engineering practices.
In his welcome address, Engr. Ayodeji, set the tone for the event by highlighting its significance beyond a mere gathering.
“Today is not just another professional gathering. It is a proud moment for us in the Abeokuta Branch as we celebrate the life, legacy, and enduring contributions of a man whose service to engineering, education, and society continues to inspire generations,” he said.
Ayodeji described the late Joda as “a bridge between professionalism and public service, a model of integrity, discipline, and commitment to nation-building.”
He emphasized that “engineering is not just about structures and systems; it is about shaping society and improving lives.”
The chairman noted that the lecture was deliberately scheduled during the 2026 Engineering Week to address societal challenges.
“Energy and electricity reforms represent one of the most critical frontiers facing our nation. It is fitting that this branch uses this Engineering Week to lead conversations on professional responsibility in this area,” Ayodeji explained.
He also spotlighted the branch’s achievements, including contributions to the Ogun State Electricity Framework.
“Our contribution supported the passage of landmark legislation titled the Energy Bill aimed at improving electricity generation in the state, establishing an energy market, key power bodies, and enforcing consumer rights and obligations.
The bill—No. 017 OG 2024—was signed into law by His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun,” he stated.
“This milestone demonstrates the critical role of professional engineering bodies in shaping sound public policy and advancing sustainable energy development.”
Ayodeji urged attendees to engage actively: “I encourage you to listen, reflect, and engage actively. Let us use this lecture to renew our dedication to standards, professionalism, and service to society.”
Representing the NSE National President, Engr. Mohammed Shola Abbas, FNSE, echoed the call for engineers to expand their influence.
“It is my honour and pleasure to be here as Chairman of this year’s Distinguished Lecture Series in honour of Engineer Michael B. Joda, FNSE,” he began, clarifying his role as the president’s representative.
Abbas praised Joda’s legacy, “this lecture series, organized annually by our dedicated committee, holds a special place in our hearts.
It honours a true icon of our profession, aman whose legacy inspires excellence, ethical conduct, and commitment to the advancement of Nigerian engineering.
Engineer Joda was steadfast in building the capacity of young engineers. His ideals remain as relevant today as ever.”
He tied the theme to broader responsibilities, “the theme of this year’s lecture, Engineering Standards under Nigerian Energy Laws:
Imperatives for Engineering Professionals, challenges us to reflect deeply on the evolving role of engineers, not only in technical spaces but also in leadership, policy formation, and national governance.
“Engineers must move beyond constructing systems to actively shaping the policies governing infrastructure and economic development.”
Abbas commended the guest speaker and encouraged participation, “we are honoured to have Professor Yemi Oke, SAN, as our guest speaker. Despite his tight schedule, he graciously accepted our invitation. We sincerely appreciate his presence and support.
“As we proceed, I urge everyone to participate actively and constructively. Let us share insights and challenge ourselves to think differently.”
Adding a personal touch to the tributes, Dr. Morayo Jimoh, daughter of the late Engr. Joda, shared heartfelt memories of her father.
“You have heard all the tributes from politicians, friends, and well-wishers. He was a very wonderful man. He was a family man,” Jimoh said.
She described growing up in a nurturing environment: “I grew up in a very big house filled with cousins—many cousins living together. He was soft-spoken and very passionate about education. He wanted everybody to succeed.
Virtually everyone was my father’s child, either a son or a daughter. He always wanted to take care of everybody. That is the kind of person he was.”
Expressing gratitude for the event, she noted: “Regarding this lecture put together in his honor, it is very heartwarming. I would like to say a big thank you to the Nigerian Society of Engineers for honoring my father. This is huge. There are many people who have passed on and nobody is doing something like this for them.”
Jimoh reiterated her father’s impact: “I truly want to thank them for this distinguished recognition of his contributions to the engineering profession and national development. This is a testament that he was a very wonderful person. He was a very wonderful person.”
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