Institution news
The Global Engineering Debate which was hosted by the Nigerian Young Members Section in collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Onitsha branch recorded a huge success. This Debate which was the first of its kind in Nigeria. It was held on the 30th of September, 2016 at the Sharon House, All saints Cathedral - Onitsha, Anambra State with participants of about 60 persons.
The question that was considered this year was “Back to the Future, What is the future of Local transport in Nigeria?” The event was organized by Ifeanyichukwu U. Onyenanu (Middle East and Africa YM Rep.) and Emmanuel Ikpatt (Nigeria YM Section Chair) adding to the second event hosted by Nigerian YM section in this year, 2016.
Present at the event were hosts of students from various IMechE student chapters/Universities, YM of the Institution in Nigeria, members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, our keynote speaker Engr. Dr. Chris Nwabueze, (HOD Elect/Elect Dept. COOU) and other notable persons known for their interests in Engineering. Amongst them were Okoli Ikechukwu, (CEO, Gentlelink Enterprise), Engr. Dabeluchi Nathan C, (ANAMCO). Engr. Joseph Aloh, Engr. Anigbogu Ijeoma, Engr. Nzekwe Edwin and others. Emmanuel Ikpatt (Nigeria YM Section Chair) doubled also as the Chairman of the event.
The panel consist of two judges in the persons of Enukoha, Celina N. (NOCEN) and Egboka, David C. (COOU). The supposed Chief Judge in the person of Engr. Dr. Solomon Nwigbo (Director, CHISCO transport - UNIZIK) could not make it to the event due to some issues beyond him, so Celina was appointed to act on his behalf.
The Four areas of consideration for the Debate were: (1). Human Powered Transportation. (2). Public Transportation. (3). Autonomous Vehicles and (4). Automotive. After kicking off the event, the chairman formally declared the event open with his opening remark followed by Welcome address by Engr. Uchenna Ifezue (Chairman, NSE - Onitsha Branch). Afterwards, a keynote lecture was given by Engr. Dr. Chris Nwabueze on the theme “Back to the Future, What is the future of Local transport in Nigeria?” He opened the eyes of the participants to Nigerian transport, he touched all the areas considered and his lecture actually prepared the mind of the debaters before the rules and guidelines for the debate was read by Ifeanyichukwu and that ushered the event into the business of the day.
The Debate was unfortunate to have only but three debaters as against the Four Areas of consideration. The three debaters and their presenters were as follows: Human Powered Transport by Akpan Joshua, Ofojebe Chinonso Emmanuel presented on public Transport while Adimonyemma Johnpaul spoke on Autonomous Vehicles. All the debaters were young members of IMechE. The Debaters keenly displayed that they did a wonderful research and came up with their findings on the future of Local Transport in Nigeria. After each presentation by the candidates, the question and answer session followed.
Just after concluding their presentations, the judges were left to make decision on the contestant’s performances and came to an agreement on who emerges the winner of the event. After much deliberations, Mrs. Enukoha gave the details of their result and announced the winner.
Special Guests and Judges including acting Chief Judge Celina N. Enukoha announcing the final result of the debate.
A big congratulations to Ofojebe Chinonso Emannuel who emerged as the winner of first Global Engineering Debate in Nigeria and also a big Kudos to all the participants of this year’s event.
Highlights of the event were presentation of certificates to the winners of SOFE competition that was held on the 12th of May, 2016. Also was “Membership/how to grow your career with IMechE” presented by the Middle East and Africa YM Vice Rep, Ifeanyichukwu Onyenanu.
In conclusion, the GED, 2016 was duly organized and competed. Following the outcome of the Debate, it can be inferred that the Future of Local Transport in Nigeria is Public Transport having received a 70% vote from the participants of the event, not neglecting other areas considered.
You can find out more about the activities of the Institution in Nigeria by visiting the Nigeria NearYou website.