Afonja Champions Local Expertise, Donates Cash to Construct NSE Office Complex In Ibadan* *.. Says Oyo Must Deepen Collaboration With Nigerian Engineers*

Former Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Abdul-Rahman Raphael Afonja (PARA), has donated cash to construct the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) new office complex in Ibadan.

This gesture aims to empower Nigerian engineers to play an active role in shaping the state’s future.

Announcing the giant donation on July 2, 2025, at the NSE ceremonial turning of the sod of its new office complex in Ibadan, Afonja advocated for NSE to be a key stakeholder in Oyo State’s infrastructural development, harnessing the expertise and resources of professional bodies to drive growth.

He emphasized the need for sustained partnerships between the state and professional bodies like NSE, going beyond single administrations or projects.

According to him, to unlock the state’s true potential, it’s essential to establish permanent partnerships with professional bodies like the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

This collaboration, he said, should be a core part of our policy, going beyond a single administration or project, adding that strengthening ties with universities to ensure research and learning will address real community needs.

He equally called for a Sustained Partnerships to foster a long-term relationships with professional bodies to drive development and progress.

Afonja, who noted that during his tenure as Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, prioritized bridging the gap between government and the engineering profession, argued that by working with local professionals, we are not only ensuring quality but also building human capacity, transferring vital knowledge, and inspiring the next

He, however, urged policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to join NSE in championing local expertise and building a brighter future for Oyo State and Nigeria.

By supporting the NSE office complex, Afonja demonstrates his commitment to empowering local engineers and fostering development in Oyo State.

His word: “Why Oyo State Must Deepen Collaboration with Nigerian Engineers

“On July 2nd, 2025, I joined fellow members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Ibadan for the ceremonial turning of the sod on our new office complex. This milestone symbolizes growth for our professional body and a renewed commitment to engineering excellence in Oyo State and throughout Nigeria. On that day, I was privileged to contribute personally to the project, but my support for the NSE—both in spirit and in action—goes back much further.
During my tenure as Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, I prioritized bridging the gap between government and the engineering profession.

“Too often, public infrastructure projects are planned and executed without sufficient input from professionals whose expertise is essential for quality and innovation. I strongly advocated for the NSE to become a true stakeholder in our state’s infrastructural development, ensuring that Nigerian engineers were not just observers but active participants in shaping our future.

“This collaboration brought tangible benefits. By involving NSE members and their firms as consultants on design and monitoring, we created a robust accountability system on all major projects. This meant that every contractor knew that real experts—fellow Nigerians with a stake in the outcome—were closely monitoring quality and adherence to specifications. The results spoke for themselves: better-built roads, reliable bridges, and a genuine pride in what we accomplished together. This success should instill confidence in the potential of future collaborations.

“Beyond immediate project supervision, I encouraged the next generation of engineers to gain hands-on experience. We opened doors for IT students and Youth Corps members, inviting them to join our engineers on sites across the state. The lessons they learned on those projects will stay with them for life—and, I hope, inspire them to build even greater things for Oyo State and beyond.

“However, if we are to unlock our state’s true potential, these efforts cannot end with a change in administration or the completion of a single project. We must make a permanent partnership with professional bodies like the NSE a part of our policy. The urgency of this need cannot be overstated. We need to deepen our collaboration with universities, ensuring that research and learning are always connected to the real needs of our communities.

“It is time we ask ourselves a tricky question: why do we continue to outsource our construction projects to foreign firms, when Nigerian engineers have the experience and dedication to deliver world-class results? No one would expect India, China, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States to hand their critical infrastructure to outsiders.

“They invest in their people. We must do the same.
By working with local professionals, we not only ensure quality but also build human capacity, transfer vital knowledge, and inspire the next generation. Let us stop underestimating ourselves and start leveraging the talent and expertise we already have. Our engineers are ready. All we need is the will to trust and empower them. This call is not just a suggestion, but a crucial step towards our collective progress.

“Oyo State’s future—and Nigeria’s—depends on it. I urge all policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to join us in this mission. Let’s champion local expertise and build a brighter future for our state and country.”