Okorodudu backs NSE Warri Chair, pledges DESOPADEC partnership for engineering devt(Photos)

The Executive Director, Projects, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has commended the incoming Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Warri Branch, Engr. Queen Uche Chigbo, for demonstrating initiative and leadership even before her formal inauguration.

Okorodudu, who is also the Otota of the Ancient Olomu Kingdom, gave the commendation on Tuesday when members of the NSE Warri Branch paid him a courtesy visit at the DESOPADEC headquarters in Warri, Delta State.
He expressed particular appreciation for Chigbo’s decision to begin implementing programmes before assuming office formally, describing the approach as a departure from the culture of waiting for inauguration before taking action.

“What you have done is so impressive to me. You are not waiting until when you are inaugurated. You have already hit the ground running and started working effectively even when you have not been inaugurated,” Okorodudu said.
He urged other professional leaders to emulate the initiative, noting that leadership should be demonstrated through action rather than titles.
The DESOPADEC executive director also reaffirmed his commitment to continuous professional development among engineers, saying the commission has consistently supported its engineers to attend seminars, workshops and training programmes.

“I had my PhD twenty years ago and anything that has to do with updating your knowledge, I don’t play with it,” he said.
Okorodudu promises action on engineers’ participation
Responding to concerns over the low participation of DESOPADEC engineers in NSE activities, Okorodudu promised to take steps to improve their involvement in professional programmes organised by the society.

“Anything you want to do, write to me. I will call them to a meeting and direct them to participate effectively in whatever NSE Warri Branch is doing,” he said.

He described engineering as critical to national development, stressing that no meaningful infrastructure or industrial development could take place without engineers.

“The engineering profession is the engine room of every development. Without engineering, there is no development,” he added.

Okorodudu also lamented the declining employment opportunities available to engineers in Nigeria, attributing the situation partly to the collapse of industries and what he described as poor economic policies.

He recalled a period when engineering graduates were readily absorbed into the workforce and called for greater recognition and investment in the profession.
“In those days, you cannot be an engineer and look for work. As soon as you graduate, in two seconds you are employed. But today, I know an engineer who graduated more than 13 years ago without a job,” he said.

He urged the NSE to intensify its advocacy for appropriate regulatory standards and policies that would strengthen engineering practice and accelerate national development.

DESOPADEC seeks formal partnership with NSE
Okorodudu assured the NSE delegation of DESOPADEC’s willingness to collaborate with the society, noting that most of the commission’s activities, particularly in infrastructure, housing and public works, have significant engineering components.

He advised the NSE Warri Branch to formally write to the Managing Director of DESOPADEC through his office, with a copy to him, to define areas of partnership and facilitate stronger institutional collaboration.

He also accepted the invitation to attend the branch’s forthcoming inauguration and investiture ceremony, expressing his readiness for further engagement with the professional body.
NSE seeks support for B.U.I.L.D 2026 agenda
Earlier, Chigbo congratulated Okorodudu on his installation as the Otota of Olomu Kingdom on September 19, 2026, describing the traditional elevation as recognition of his humility, wisdom, loyalty and contributions to Olomu Kingdom and Delta State.
She commended his leadership as Executive Director, Projects, particularly his commitment to community-based projects and open-door policy towards professional organisations.

Chigbo appealed to DESOPADEC to partner with the NSE Warri Branch on its B.U.I.L.D 2026 Agenda, which includes the establishment of an Engineering Resource, Innovation and Skills Acquisition Training Centre.
Other initiatives under the programme include a STEM “Catch-Them-Young” programme for secondary school students and hands-on solar system installation training for young engineers and community youths.
According to Chigbo, the solar training programme will culminate in the installation of solar power systems at a rural primary healthcare centre and solar-powered boreholes in schools.

She said the projects are aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 6 and 7 and are designed to deliver direct benefits to oil-producing communities.

Chigbo formally invited Okorodudu as Special Guest of Honour to the NSE Warri Branch’s inauguration and investiture ceremony for its new executive committee.

The ceremony is scheduled for November 28, 2026, at the MOM Civic Centre, Warri, beginning at 11am.
The NSE delegation later presented a token to Okorodudu in appreciation of his leadership and support for the engineering profession.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers is the umbrella professional body for engineers in Nigeria. It promotes professional development, ethical practice, engineering education and STEM innovation, while advising government on engineering and national development matters and working with relevant regulatory bodies to uphold professional standards.

Members of the NSE Warri Branch who accompanied Chigbo on the visit included Engr. Joseph Eghwrude, FNSE; Engr. Ebipade Linda Guwo, MNSE, former Chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN); Engr. Rita Uzezi Anota, MNSE; Engr. Torere Blessing, MNSE; and Engr. Ikubu Akpevwe, MNSE.

Also present were Engr. Anthony Okuwe, Executive Assistant to the EDP; Engr. Elliot Olokor, Head, Department of Project Monitoring and Evaluation; Engr. Friday Money, Head, Department of Works; Comr. Tom Obrozie Odiouzo, Head, Department of Utility; Engr. Chief Mathew Onokpasa, Special Adviser to the EDP; and Engr. Collins Okorodudu, Technical Adviser to the EDP.