From Joseph Asegba, Yola
In a bid to promote the engineering profession, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Yola Branch, has honoured three distinguished members for their outstanding contributions to the profession and national development.
The chosen awardees are Engr. Diaulhaq Abubakar, Engr. Saidu M. Njidda, and Hon. Audu Ayuba Tanko. Abubakar, a traditional title holder of Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta, received the award alongside Njidda, who holds the title of Barde Adamawa, and Tanko, Kauran Mubi.
The awards were presented at the branch’s dinner and awards night held in Yola, which also featured the unveiling of its 2026/2027 programme calendar.
The event attracted engineering professionals, government officials, and other stakeholders in the sector.
In a keynote address, the National President of NSE, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, represented by Engr. Abubakar Usman, commended the Yola Branch for its commitment to advancing the profession.
He appreciated the branch for its financial and moral support during his emergence as president, describing it as a demonstration of unity within the profession.
He also urged members to align with ongoing reforms and programmes aimed at repositioning the NSE for greater impact on national development.
Usman said, “The Dinner and Awards Night provides a platform to foster unity among engineers and strengthen collaboration with other professions for sustainable development.”
He congratulated the recipients and urged them to see the honour as motivation for greater service to the profession and the country.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Abubakar expressed gratitude to the NSE, describing the recognition as an encouragement for continued service.
“This honour will inspire us to contribute more meaningfully to the engineering profession and national development,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of engineering, he noted that the profession has played a critical role in human development, from early innovations to modern infrastructure.
“Engineers are trained problem-solvers whose contributions are vital, though often underappreciated,” he added.
He called for greater recognition of engineers by the government and the public to enhance innovation and commitment within the profession.
He described the award as both an honour and a responsibility, pledging to sustain contributions to societal development.
Abubakar also commended the Branch Chairman, Engr. Prof. Bashir Aliyu, for his leadership and commitment to excellence.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Dr. Edgar Amos, noted that engineering holds the key to development in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other sectors critical to national growth.
He commended engineers for their role in the state’s development and urged them to sustain the momentum, noting that recognition would motivate them to strive for excellence and inspire others within the profession.
Amos also challenged engineers to address societal problems, particularly in housing, agriculture, and energy.
“We must design durable and affordable housing suited to our environment and develop modern agricultural tools to boost productivity,” he said.
He reiterated the need to harness Nigeria’s abundant energy resources, including hydro, solar, gas, and wind, to drive development.
He assured that the state government would continue to partner with engineers to achieve sustainable development.
