The Ibadan Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers, NIHTE, a division of the Nigeria Society Of Engineers has inaugurated Engr. Rafiu Adekunle Lasisi as the 2nd branch Chairman of the professional body.
The inauguration was held on Saturday during the 2nd Ibadan Conference, 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM), at Jogor Center, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
The National President, NIHTE, Engr. George Nwosu ,FNSE, FNIHTE, represented by NSE State chairman, Engr. A. C Olaoye, said that NIHTE Ibadan branch has demonstrated a level of responsiveness and operational capabilities within the short period of existence.
He said: “The NITHE National executive are pleased with the chapter, performing its mandate of leadership in terms of advocacy, policy and development of Nigeria’s highway and transportation.”
While charging them to be worthy ambassadors of NIHTE, he also urged them to continue to promote good policies that would make the Nigeria highway and transportation a better one
Speaking at the event, the guest lecturer, Engr, Adebote Adewale Paul presented a comprehensive paper on ‘Impact Of Transportation Infrastructures On Social-Economic And Its Challenges’
He identified the importance of transportation infrastructure as being key to facilitate movement of goods and persons.
He said: “Transportation Infrastructure is key, there are social ramifications of an improved transportation, which includes poverty reduction, access to health education, social inclusion among others.
“Though the Nigeria government is making effort to improve infrastructure as they have recorded milestone achievements in the system, they must however raise the bar to do more.”
While stating the challenges of the transportation infrastructure on social economic, he urged stakeholders involved to make sure they do more in making the transportation sector effective.
“Government and stakeholders must strive to find ways of coming through for the challenges of technological advancement, local political will, inadequate urban planning among others so that we can have a productive transportation infrastructure system.”
Earlier in her address, the Pioneer Chairman of NIHTE, Ibadan chapter, Engr. Esther Oluwakemi Oladeji noted that the occasion was very remarkable one, as it berthing further growth of the branch.
While appreciating the state Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde for his support to the association, she also used the opportunity to congratulate the new executive and the new inductees, charging them to be worthy ambassadors of NIHTE.
Also giving his remark, the newly installed 2nd branch Chairman of NIHTE, Engr Rafiu Adekunle Lasisi assured that everyone will be carried along under his watch as the new chairman of the branch.
He also reiterated the need for all hands to be on deck for them to achieve a milestone, stressing that teamwork remains the key to any successful administration.
Highlight of the occasion was the induction of new executive members into the organization and presentation of awards of honour to individuals and organizations who have distinguished themselves in their various fields.