Lagos, Nigeria – The Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has reaffirmed its commitment to smart city innovation and resilient infrastructure with the official inauguration of its 16th Chairperson, Engr. Nimot Muili. Her confirmation marks a significant milestone as she becomes the third woman to lead the branch, having served in an acting capacity since August 2024.
Themed “Innovation for Tomorrow: Connecting Resilient Infrastructure with the Blue Economy to Achieve a Lagos Smart City,” the event brought together leaders from engineering, government, finance, and academia.
Outgoing Chairman Engr. John Adedotun reflected on his three-year tenure with gratitude and optimism. “Whatever has a beginning must have an end,” he told attendees, leading them in a brief moment of thanksgiving. Adedotun highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including a 35% increase in membership, implementation of a 10-year master plan, technical tours across Europe, and the launch of the Boss Car Contribution Scheme.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you keep moving,” he advised the new executive team.
In her inaugural remarks, Engr. Muili expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in her. “This position is a reflection of how far we’ve come and a commitment to building an engineering culture that contributes meaningfully to growth,” she said.
She paid tribute to previous chairmen, singling out the sixth and fourteenth chairmen for their mentorship and lasting legacies. “Thank you for the support and for being present today. Your presence means the world,” she said.
National President of the NSE and Chair in Council, Engr. Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala, praised the transition as a landmark in the Society’s history. “I warmly congratulate Engr. Muili and the newly elected executive committee members. This inauguration marks a landmark moment and reflects the growing confidence in female leadership within the engineering profession,” she stated.
Oguntala emphasized the need for mentorship, innovation, and policy advocacy as Lagos transitions toward smart city status. “Mentorship is key. We must nurture the next generation of engineers with vision and purpose,” she said. She also called on the new executives to align with the NSE’s Strategic Agenda, which includes promoting STEM education, supporting community-based engineering, and engaging traditional leadership.
She further addressed the challenge of low compliance with membership dues, reminding members that only financially updated professionals would be listed in the forthcoming NSE directory.
A high point of the event was a presentation by systems thinker Dr. George Thorpe, who shared insights from a recent survey on Lagos’ readiness for smart city development. Based on 20 expert responses, the study identified five core priorities: data-driven infrastructure, integrated transportation systems, innovation and entrepreneurship, smart energy solutions, and collaborative governance.
“Transportation emerged as the most urgent issue. With such a massive population, we can’t afford to ignore its foundational role in economic productivity,” Thorpe noted. He also warned of challenges in smart governance and waste management, urging unity of purpose among stakeholders. “Every city must recognize its operational limits. For Lagos to thrive, we must channel our skills and sectors toward one unified goal,” he added.
The full report is expected to be circulated in the coming weeks as a reference document for policy and planning.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Gbobaniyi of Wasimi, Otunba Kunle Ismail; former Special Adviser on Infrastructure to the Lagos State Governor, Engr. Aramide Adeoye; Chairman of Ove Arup & Partners Nigeria Ltd., Engr. Kunle Adebajo; Executive Director of Marine Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Engr. Abdul-Rahman Badmus; and the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul.
Founded in July 1992, the NSE Ikeja branch remains a cornerstone of engineering excellence and innovation in Nigeria. The event underscored the Society’s resolve to drive sustainable development and align with global trends in urban transformation.
As one attendee remarked, “Without a clear smart city vision, infrastructure becomes an imposition, not an enabler. But now, with input from engineers and thought leaders, we’re beginning to see the shape of the future Lagos.”
