The Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaiman Bamgbade, has called on government agencies and relevant institutions to strengthen support for engineering technologists across the country.
Oba Bamgbade said the nation’s engineering technologists workforce plays a critical role in industrial growth, healthcare delivery and national development, yet operates with limited recognition and inadequate resources.
Speaking during the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering, the monarch urged governments at all levels, regulatory agencies and private-sector stakeholders to invest in capacity building and standardised training for engineering technologists
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Palace’s Office of Media and Publicity.
He added that such institutional support would not only strengthen the profession but also enhance the country’s competitiveness and productivity.
“The critical role of technologists in national development cannot be overemphasised. In this light, there is a need for stronger institutional support, ethical compliance, and equitable remuneration to empower the profession.
“No nation rises beyond the quality of its builders. If Nigeria must achieve true transformation, we must invest in engineering capacity, uphold integrity in public projects, empower our technologists, and prioritise innovation as the cornerstone of national progress and prosperity,” the statement reads.
While commending NATE for its commitment to advancing engineering technology, the traditional ruler pledged continued support for initiatives that promote innovation and sustainable growth.
At the event, the monarch was also conferred with the title of Fellow of the Association.
Bamgbade, who holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to the engineering profession, his advocacy for technical excellence and his exemplary leadership in both professional and traditional spheres.
In 2024, the federal government has approved the creation of a new Engineering Innovation Fund designed to provide financial backing and resources for advanced research, technological development, and groundbreaking solutions in the country’s engineering sector.
According to the government, the fund is intended to drive growth, strengthen capacity and position Nigeria as a global leader in engineering innovation.
