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Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME or 3M) hosts Fellowship Ceremony & Honours Illustrious Nigerians
Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME also called 3M), a Division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has honoured Nigerians for their illustrious contributions to the growth of Metallurgical and Mining industry in Nigeria.
The Institution bestowed the honourary award during the 2nd public lecture themed; “Ezekwe-Barberopoulos-Obikwelu (EBO) Honourary Lecture” held on Friday 1st December 2023 at the transmission company of Nigeria hall, in Abuja.
The public lecture christened after three illustrious individuals, namely Prof Gordian Ezekwe, Mr. Romeo Barberopoulos and Prof D.O.N. Obikwelu was aimed at rewarding Nigerians with stellar contributions to the industry.
The Highlights of the event came when each of these Individuals were honoured and they all had someone who spoke on their behalf.
Prof Onwue Abdulmalik Ibrahim R and Barberopoulos and Dr. Ibrahim Agava
Vassily Barberopoulos, the son of Romeo Barberopoulos, who delivered a keynote speech, spoke on behalf of his late Father.
It would be recalled that Late Romeo Barberopoulos established and ran the leading metals foundry in West Africa in 1969 after being one of the engineers to set up Africa’s first TV Station WNTV Ibadan, during his time with Leventis Group.
His Son, Mr. Oye Vassily Barberopoulos (The current MD) is more Nigerian than most of us and knows all corners of the country and has taken the company to new heights in mining, oil and gas and machine parts among others.
He is an authority in Additive Manufacturing (especially 3D printing) in Africa and took us through the opportunities and threats to existing fabrication industries, National during the 2nd Ezekwe-Barberopoulos-Obikwelu EBO Honourary Lecture. keeping the inspiration of the greats alive
Similarly, Professor Onwue Abdulmalik Ibrahim, a Research Director at NASENI, Abuja HQ spoke as Guest Lecturer for Prof Gordian Ezekwe.
Prof Onuwe started by explained how Late Prof Gordian Ezekwe hired him not caring where he came from but that he won NYSC prize as a pioneer staff of NASENI (which Prof Ezekwe founded during the IBB era).
How he worked with him closely in drafting, welding, fitting in the workshop even on Sundays, bringing innovations and ideas to life.
And how Prof. Ezekwe mentored him to a sterling career at NASENI passing through many departments and subsidiaries coming from OND and is a full Professor of Mechanical Engineering today.
Michael Orekyeh by Prof Obikwelu Banner
He talked of NASENI and its drive for local capabilities and manufacturing and its willingness to partner with 3M and NSE on research and other activities to drive technology in Nigeria.
Also, Late Prof. Gordian Obumneme Ezekwe, an illustrious son of Abagana received a post- humous award from Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Material Engineers during the ceremony.
The President Umuada Abagana National Association Iyom Dr. Mrs Ajia Ogugua Agagbo received the award on behalf of his family.
Late Prof. Gordian Obumneme Ezekwe was a Nigerian inventor, mechanical engineer and former Federal Minister of Science and Technology under General Ibrahim Babangida from 1989 to 1991.
He was a former Director of the Projects Development Agency (PRODA) (later renamed Institute), founder and first Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering, Infrastructure (NASENI) and founder of Science Equipment Development Institute (SEDI). Prof. Gordian Ezekwe was the first Nigerian PhD in Mechanical Engineering (1959).
Earlier, Dr. Friday I Apeh (a Director in NIBRRI) a Past National Chairman of 3M, spoke as Lecturer on behalf of Prof Daniel O.N. Obikwelu.
Prof. Obikwelu who was unavoidably not able to make the event, though he participated fully during the 1st Edition of the Ezekwe-Barberopoulos-Obikwelu EBO Honourary Lecture held in Awka, Anambra State 2022.
He is an award-winning student and researcher at the Michigan State University having done work for NASA and The US Navy. He worked in Delta Steel Company (DSC) Aladja, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) helping set up the SITP program that trained hundreds of Engineers in hands on Technology and also established Metallurgical Engineers as a distinct discipline in Shell HR and enable Metallurgy graduates work in Shell.
He worked at Nnamdi Aziliwe University, ESUT and the University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN, where with the help of the then VC, Prof Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo (Former Minster of Power) they set up the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering department at UNN. He was conferred Fellow of NIMMME.
The Institution executed new Membership Induction of over 110 inductees, 47 Fellows and 2 Honourary Fellows.
Such Fellows included
1) Prof Samson Duna DG NIBRRI (Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute)
2) Prof Hussaini Doko Ibrahim DG RMRDC (Raw Materials Research and Development Council)
3) Prof Chinedu Nebo form Minister of Power and current VC University on the Niger Onitsha
4) Mr. Obadiah Nkom DG Mining Cadastre Office , Abuja
5) Prof Adisa Ademola Bello Registrar COREN
6) Prof DON Obikwelu
7) Engr Jacob Titilope Adeyemo MD GeoCardinal Engineering
8) Prof AbdulGaniyu Funsho Alabi a Past National Chairman
9) Prof Aje Tokan the current National Chairman
10) Engr Michael Orekyeh of the Anambra State Ministry of Works
11) Engr Valerie Agberagba a General Manager at NDPHC
Other Fellows Conferred at the event included.
1) Engr Henry Bolarinwa
2) Prof David Esezobor
3) Engr Chinasaokwu Okorie
4) Engr Joseph Gansallo
5) Engr Sunday Agbalajobi
6) Engr Oduche Azih
7) Engr Kennedy Ibechem
8) Prof Leke Oluwole
9) Engr Ikenna Okonkwo (a Manager in NNPC)
10) Engr Fidelis Ezenwankwo MD Castmaster Ltd Kano
11) Engr Tafa Abubakar Quarry Manager BUA Cement
12) Engr Abdulraman Ottan
13) Prof Abdul Rahman Asipita Salawu of FUT Minna
15) Prof Jamiu Kolawole Odusote of Unillorin
16) Engr Ese Ochoga a Past Chairman
17) Engr Joy Ogbodo of SEDI Enugu
18) Prof Yusuf Shuaib-Banata of Unillorin
19) Engr Ayodele Mesaiyete of Lagarge Wapco
20) Engr Yahya Bukar a Director in Standards Organization of Nigeria
21) Engr Christian Onyibo a Director in Federal Ministry of Work, Abuja
The event was graced by many Dignitaries in the NSE and COREN space such as Engr Ali Rabiu MFR – immediate past President COREN, Vice President North Central Engr Joseph Adebayo, who represented the NSE President Engr Tasiu Saad Gidari-Wudil FNSE, National EXCO members, Branch Chairmen and many others.
Diran Onifade, a veteran Broadcast journalist was the Moderator of the event.
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
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