Dignitaries from various walks of life converged on, Saturday, March 16th, 2024, at the Jogor Event Center, Ibadan, for the inauguration of seasoned Mechanical Engineer, Engr. Wole Ayanrinde, as the 9th Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Ibadan Chapter.
The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), aims to be the premier institution for professional development, knowledge acquisition, and dissemination of Mechanical Engineering and allied disciplines in Nigeria.
Gracing the inauguration were esteemed personalities including the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, represented by Prof. Ademola Dare; Prince Bayo Olaniyan, Representative of the Oyo State Speaker; Engr. Wale Adediran, MD/CEO of Alamatum Nigeria Limited; Engr. Victor Ogunranti, the Immediate past chairman of NIMechE Ibadan Chapter; Engr. Dr. Olufunmilade Akingbagbohun, Immediate past National Chairman of NIMechE; Dr. Gbade Akinteye, Ag. Rector of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, among others.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Alhassan Abdul Mohammed, lauded the steadfastness and commitment of the Ibadan Chapter of NIMechE towards the organization’s vision and mission.
He extended hearty congratulations to the new Chairman and his executives, assuring them of the full support of the National body.
“I am thrilled to witness the positive changes in the Ibadan Chapter. The National body is pleased with your actions, and we are committed to impactful activities that promote local production. On behalf of the National body, I wish you a successful tenure and extend gratitude for the invitation,” said Mohammed.
Prof. Kazeem Adeniyi, in a keynote address delivered by Engr. Prof. Mudashiru Lateef from LAUTECH, NIMechE Chairman Ogbomoso, emphasized the importance of engineers in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
He urged the government to formulate policies that bolster the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and promote local content in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
The Guest Speaker, Engr. Wale Adediran, MD/CEO of Alamatum Nigeria Limited, delivered a compelling lecture on the theme “Local Content, SMEs, And Mechanical Engineering: Panacea For Consumption, Inflation, And Foreign Exchange Pressure In The Nigeria’s Economy.” Adediran stressed the significance of developing local content to enhance productivity and reduce dependence on imports.
The newly inaugurated Chairman, Engr. Wole Ayanrinde, expressed gratitude shortly after the inauguration of his executive members, for the overwhelming support towards the success of the program. He pledged to work diligently with his executives and outlined a six-point agenda aimed at advancing Mechanical Engineering in the region.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, I am grateful to all who have supported and guided me. We aim to revitalize the chapter for the growth and empowerment of Mechanical Engineering. Our strategic agenda focuses on being ‘Future ready,’ ensuring growth, academia-industry collaborations, inclusiveness, community impact, young engineers’ development, and optimizing NIMechE office,” stated Ayanrinde.
Merit awards were presented to notable individuals including Engr. Femi Babalola, Chief Olawuyi Alao Ofab, Engr. Dele Alabi, HRH. Oba Engr. Abdulwahab Aboyeji Ogunbiyi, Engr. Prof. Adeyinka O.M, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, Dr. Gbade Akinteye, Engr. Hon. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, Barrister Abimbola Ishola, Engr. Bankole Adeola David, and Engr. Dr. Olufunmilade Akingbagbohun, among others.
The inauguration ceremony concluded on a note of celebration and optimism for the future of Mechanical Engineering in Ibadan and beyond.
