The Nigeria Young Members’ Section of the Institution hosted a second edition of the Speak Out for Engineering (SOFE) competition on 12th May 2016. The competition which attracted an audience of about 100 persons was held at the Engineering Drawing Hall, Mechanical Engineering department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Congratulations to Mr. Peter Akomere Akpoveso from Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State the Winner of the Second Nigeria Heat.
This year’s Speak Out for Engineering (SOFE) competition had the theme, “Engineering Innovation on locally grown Palm Trees” Just as the first Nigeria Heat in December 2016, this was also organized by Ifeanyichukwu U. Onyenanu, Middle East and Africa YM Vice Rep. and Emmanuel Ikpatt, Nigeria YM Section Chair.
The event had a number of notable persons present. They include Emmanuel Ikpatt, who doubled as the Chairman of the event, Engr. Chukwuma Aburu, Representative of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) & Nigeria Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), Arc. Chinonso Obi, Oasis Integrated Concept, Abuja, Nigeria, and Engr. Dr. C.C. Mgbemene, Head of Mechanical Engineering Dept, UNN.
A four-man panel made up the judges for the event. They were Engr. Chukwunwendu Ilochonwu, Chief Judge from Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI, Enugu), Enukoha Celina Ngozi, (NOCEN), Okoli Mercy from AccuRites Consults, Lagos), and Praise Chikeleze (ESUT, Enugu).
The competition had five eager and excited participants representing their respective universities. They were: Ofojebe Chinonso Emmanuel (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra); Akpoveso Peter Akomere (Covenant University, Otta); Unukevwere Ojiyovwi Leo (Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun); Udoibout Edikan Ibanga (University of Nigeria, Nsukka); and Udoye Chinedu Springs (Nnamdi Azikiwe University).
Upon eventual commencement of the event, the Chairman of the event gave an Opening address followed by a Welcome note by the HOD, Mechanical Engineering (for the Host University). Finally, the rules and guidelines regarding the competition were clearly spelt out by the Chief Judge; and that set the ball rolling.
Ofojebe Chinonso Emmanuel, representing Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra, took the floor. He began a dissection of his presentation entitled “Percentage yield of Ethanol from Palm wine (Nkwu Elu) of the Palm Tree (Arecaceae)” Displaying a high level of energy and skill, he engaged a thrilled audience through. Next was Akpoveso Peter Akomere, representing Covenant University, Otta, with a presentation on “Development of Brake Pads using Palm Kernel Fiber (PKF); an alternative material to Asbestos” This second speaker also fed the listeners with the richness and innovation in his work.
The presentations continued, intermittent with question and answer sessions. Next in line was Unukevwere Ojiyovwi Leo, representing Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, with his presentation entitled “Palm biodiesel, an alternative green renewable energy for the energy demands of the future”. Following him was Udoibout Edikan Ibanga, of the Host, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Displaying a commendable level of communicative competence and knowledge base of the subject matter, he delivered a presentation on “Effective utilization of Palm oil mill effluent: consideration towards improved sustainability and economics". On a final note, Udoye Chinedu Springs, representing Nnamdi Azikiwe University, concluded the round of presentation with his insightful work entitled “Palm oil mill effluent – a source for power, steam and fertilizer production”
With the presentations concluded, the judges were left with a challenging task of compiling marks and producing the highest scorers. After much deliberations and concessions, the panel reached a consensus. The Chief Judge, Engr. C. Ilochonwu gave the detail of the contestants’ marks and the eventual winners.
The 2nd Place winner with a prize of £200 was awarded to Mr. Udoibout Edikan Ibanga, representing University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for her presentation “Effective utilization of Palm oil mill effluent: consideration towards improved sustainability and economics” while the 1st Place winner with a prize of £300 was awarded to Mr. Akpoveso Peter Akomere, representing Covenant University, Otta for his presentation “Development of Brake Pads using Palm Kernel Fiber (PKF); an alternative material to Asbestos”.
In sum, the SOFE Competition was indeed keenly competed. Having similar presentations to deliver and the efforts by the various contestants to ensure clarity and distinctiveness has presented this competition as one worthy of commendation. With the outcome of the competition, it is hoped that engineering students will not relent in their technical pursuit to generate more innovative methods to harness and advance the engineering profession and to achieve the goal of proffering solutions through locally sourced materials.
Thumbs up to our five participants for their efforts in putting their presentations together and for taking part in this competition. Much kudos to our judges and special guests for your support and taking the time out to be a part of this event.
Our hearty congratulation goes to Peter and Edikan for winning the second edition of the Nigeria Heat.
You can read more about the activities of the Institution in Nigeria on the>Nigeria NearYou site. You can also find out more about the Speak Out for Engineering competition as well as details on how to volunteer as a SOfE organiser in your country.