‘Engineering pivotal to national planning, execution’

Engineering professionals are critical in the planning and execution of national developments programmes, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has said.

Speaking yesterday while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), led by its first female president, Engr Margaret Aina Oguntala, he restated his commitment to the engineering profession.

Yilwatda, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is a digital systems engineer and academic with a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

 “As engineers, we must be central to national planning and execution. I remain committed to using every platform I occupy to promote engineering excellence and open doors for future engineers,” the former university don who is now the chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), assured the visitors.

He reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to engineering excellence and national development.

The visit was part of NSE’s ongoing engagement with national leaders to strengthen partnerships that promote innovation, infrastructure development, and STEM education across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, the NSE president congratulated Prof Yilwatda on his present leadership position and praised the party’s recognition of professional competence and integrity in leadership selection.

“Your election is a win not just for the APC, but for the entire Engineering community. It is a powerful reminder that professionalism, innovation, and visionary leadership still matter in shaping our nation’s future,” she remarked.

She described him as “an erudite engineer, visionary development consultant, and dedicated public servant whose leadership journey continues to inspire professionals across sectors.”

She stated that his vast experience spans 29 years across university teaching, ICT leadership, and consultancy for global development partners, and national service, including his tenure as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State (2017–2021). He was also APC’s Governorship Candidate for Plateau State in the 2023 elections.

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Oguntala also highlighted the NSE’s flagship initiatives and its ongoing advocacy to integrate engineering expertise into national policymaking and developmental planning.

She reaffirmed NSE’s commitment to partnering with national institutions to advance development, good governance, and professionalism.

The NSE President appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his strategic support in ensuring the emergence of a technically sound, competent, and experienced engineer as leader of Nigeria’s ruling political party.

She said:  “Prof. Yilwatda’s emergence is a source of pride to the engineering community. We trust that his values of excellence, systems thinking, and integrity will define his leadership and further enrich Nigeria’s democratic landscape.”

Prof Yilwatda thanked the NSE delegation and expressed strong support for closer collaboration between the engineering profession and political leadership.

The NSE delegation included Past President, Engr Kashim Ali, Vice President (Assets Management), Engr Rachel Serumun Ugye and Executive Committee Member (Corporate Services), Engr Dauda Musa.