SIFAX Group boss pledges support for Nigerian engineers, commissions Resource Centre

Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has pledged more support for the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in order to achieve maximum results.

Dr. Afolabi made the promise during the commissioning of the Rauf Aregbesola Engineering Resource Tower, built by members of the NSE, Ikeja branch.

While congratulating the President, Executives and all members of the Society for cooperating and collaborating to make the project a reality, the SIFAX Group boss said the centre would help to develop young engineers and create an atmosphere of learning and re- learning in order to fulfill the Executive Order Five of President Muhammed Buhari.

He said, “The Rauf Aregbesola Engineering Resource centre which we are commissioning today, was envisioned in February 2020 by the administration of Engr. Mrs. Olufunmilade Akingbagbohun FNSE FNIMechE. The centre was a direct response to addressing the huge gap between the classroom and the industry. The team envisioned that this innovative building would serve as a training, development and resource place for the professional development of all Engineers and production of parts for commercial purposes. The current administration of the NSE through Engr. Tosin Ogunmolade has taken this baton boldly and has led it to an impressive conclusion.”

Dr. Afolabi said Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is also Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, has contributed greatly to the development of Engineering and Engineering personnel in Nigeria hence the honour of having the building in his name by the branch.

“This laudable project was named after a great engineering icon and my good friend whose passion and drive for engineering skills, development and local content cannot be overemphasized.

“Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s love for the engineering profession propelled him to buy into the project and helped in raising the necessary funds for the building project. One of his areas of interest is welding certification. He had a special passion for underwater welding and is taking the bull by the horn in solving the challenge of scarce engineers in that space.

“This legacy from the Engineering icon would help in creating more jobs in the Technopreneurship space for young Engineers and also give opportunity to practicing Engineers in the area of Professional Development and Local Content Practice.

“At SIFAX Group, we recognize value when we see one and I must say that this project is of value. We are leading a charge where all our engineers are putting their best into making sure that we continue to deliver value to all our customers. Our engineers at SAHCO Plc, one of the subsidiaries of the Group in the aviation sector, have produced equipment sourced from local materials which have received global attention and mention. We are open to a mutually-benefitting partnership between the Group and the Nigerian Society of Engineers in order to continually harness the best in the trade,” he said.