Nigeria needs engineers in governance to solve national challenges – Ladoja

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has stressed the urgent need for qualified engineers to take up leadership roles in Nigeria, noting that their expertise is crucial in addressing the country’s numerous challenges.

Ladoja made the call on Wednesday while receiving the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence in Ibadan.

A Fellow of the NSE, Ladoja urged engineers to broaden their influence beyond the technical field into politics and governance, where their training and problem-solving skills could help redirect Nigeria’s economy onto the path of prosperity.

“We have invaluable knowledge and experience to share, and I encourage all to work hard to take leadership roles in every aspect of life. The challenges before our nation are vast, and the solutions lie in the minds and hands of engineers,” he said.

He added that states where engineers are currently in leadership positions have recorded notable progress, stressing the need for more professionals to step forward.

In her remarks, Oguntala commended Ladoja for making the NSE proud through his service as a senator, former governor, and now as Olubadan-designate. She revealed that the NSE council had deliberately brought its meeting to Ibadan in his honour and announced that the 2025 annual conference would also hold in the city this December.

“We have come on behalf of the council and entire members of NSE to felicitate with the new Olubadan as his number one professional constituency,” she said, pledging the society’s support for his reign and praying for peace and progress in Ibadanland.