From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, has described engineers as master planners critical to the development of the New Yenagoa City project.
Dr. Akpe stated this on Friday when members of the Yenagoa branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Yenagoa.
He said engineers occupy a strategic position in the development of any city, stressing that Bayelsa, as a fast developing state, needs their professional expertise.
The deputy governor said building collapse and failed projects were mostly due to failure to engage qualified engineers or compromise of standards by professionals.
He said, “By training, engineers are the master planners. If we want to get the best of a city, engineers are the professionals in the plan.
“Everybody and anybody can just do anything, but if we want to get the best, we need the engineers. Most of these failed buildings are because professionals were not engaged or standards compromised.
“As engineers, you have a very big role to play especially in a state like Bayelsa, which is a rapidly developing state. So no one should undermine you as a profession.”
Akpe recalled the role played by local engineers, including Engr. Moses Dika and Engr Olice Kemenanabo, in the state’s gas turbine project, saying government holds the profession in high esteem.
He assured the NSE of government’s support for its programmes, but said funding requests for training should be made collectively through the association and not by individual members.
Earlier, Chairman of the Yenagoa branch of the NSE, Engr. Eluanatein Mac-Jokori, said the visit was aimed at strengthening strategic partnership with the State Government.
Mac-Jokori, who congratulated Dr. Akpe on his elevation as Deputy Governor, appealed for government sponsorship of members to attend NSE and COREN training programmes and other conferences.
He also solicited support for the promotion of engineering education and the construction of a 500-metre access road to the NSE Yenagoa flagship Engineering Resource Centre.
Responding to the requests, Dr. Akpe assured the NSE of government’s support, but advised that such requests should be channelled through the central body and not by individual members.
