Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma-Odu, has called for strategic planning, innovative engineering and sustainable infrastructure to unlock the state’s Blue Economy potential.
Nma-Odu made the call as Special Guest of Honour at the Second Distinguished Annual Lecture of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, NICE, Port Harcourt Chapter, held in honour of Engineer Beniah Elemchukwu Ojum.
She said Rivers State’s coastline, rivers, creeks, wetlands and other aquatic resources offer significant opportunities for economic development, but require modern infrastructure and proper environmental management. She identified ports, jetties, waterways, coastal infrastructure and flood-control systems as areas where civil engineers can contribute to the state’s development.
In his address, NICE National Chairman, Tokunbo Antoni-Ajanaku, represented by Virgilius Chukwudi Ezugo, said the institution was engaging engineering establishments nationwide to secure industrial training placements for civil engineering students. He added that approval had been obtained for civil engineers serving under the NYSC to be posted to relevant engineering organisations.
