The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Uyo Branch, has fulfilled a long-held dream with the commissioning of the National Engineering Centre Annex/Uyo Branch Secretariat at Atan Offot, Uyo, five years after the foundation stone was laid.
The ultra-modern facility, conceived in 2021 by Engr. Ukeme Okpob, FNSE, during his tenure as Chairman of NSE Uyo Branch, was officially commissioned by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah.
The newly completed edifice, which now serves as the permanent secretariat of NSE Uyo Branch, was designed to provide engineers in the state with a befitting home and a conducive environment for professional development and collaboration.
The facility boasts a 500-seat auditorium, offices for executive members, a training hall for young engineers, and ICT-compliant workspaces to support innovation, research, and professional advancement.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Engr. Ukeme Okpob, who currently serves as Chairman of the Building Committee, expressed gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to witness the completion and commissioning of a vision he initiated in 2021.
He commended the current Chairman of NSE Uyo Branch, Engr. Emem Ezekiel, for his unwavering commitment to ensuring the project’s completion and for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Building Committee.
Read: NSE Uyo Branch Honours Engr. Ukeme Okpob with Chairman’s Special Award for Visionary Leadership
Engr. Okpob also appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his support and contributions towards the successful execution of the project, as well as for honouring the branch’s invitation through his representative.
He specially acknowledged the contributions of Engr. Francis Uwah and Engr. Ekpenyong Ekpenyong, noting that their support was instrumental in transforming the dream into reality.
According to him, the branch had virtually no funds when the idea of constructing a permanent secretariat was conceived, but the collective commitment, dedication, and support of stakeholders made the project achievable.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, applauded the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch, for adding another landmark structure to the state’s capital city.
He described the project as a significant achievement, noting that it would not only serve as a home for engineers but also stand as a model of architectural excellence and a reference point for future builders and infrastructure developers.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Uyo Branch, Engr. Emem Ezekiel, described the National Engineering Centre Annex/Uyo Branch Secretariat as a symbol of vision, perseverance, and collective commitment.
He expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his support towards the successful realization of a vision that had been nurtured by successive leaderships and sustained through the dedication of members, partners, and stakeholders of the branch.
Engr. Ezekiel specifically commended Engr. Ukeme Okpob for conceiving the vision and laying the foundation for the project on July 28, 2021. He recalled that the foundation stone was laid by His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He also acknowledged the immense contributions, donations, and unwavering support of members of the branch, whose collective efforts made the completion of the secretariat building possible.
According to him, the project reflects the strength of unity and the shared commitment of the engineering community towards advancing the profession and providing a befitting administrative hub for the branch.
The commissioning ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Rabiu; President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Sadiq Abubakar; Chairman of NSE Uyo Branch, Engr. Emem Ezekiel; Engr. Folarin Alonge, and other distinguished personalities from within and outside the engineering profession.