NIMechE Advocates Use of Technology to Advance Food Production in Nigeria
The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) have concluded its 37th International Conference with a call on government to deploy innovative technologies to advance food production as well as mitigate the impact of climate change in Nigeria.
Participants at the conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held from Tuesday 15th to Thursday 18th October, 2024 including scholars converged at the prestigious Ibom Hall, Uyo to brainstorm on the theme “Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Food Production and Managing Climate Change”.
Presenting his address at the event, the National Chairman of NIMechE, Engr Alhassan Mohammed said the theme of the conference could not have come at a better time than now, as it addresses two critical issues that impact their Institution and world at large
“At a time when the world is grappling with challenges of food security and climate change, we, as mechanical engineers, play a pivotal role in providing technological solutions that promote sustainability and resilience” he hinted.
Speaking further he said the Conference offer them a platform to exchange ideas, share knowledge and forge partnerships that will further the advancements of outline areas. He expressed optimism that justice will be done on the theme of the conference considering the vast experience of the personalities selected as keynote speaker and paper presenters.
Presenting a keynote speech on Sustainable Food Production and Effective Management of Climate Change in Nigeria, former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang said Nigeria stands at great risk and in fact slipped into food insecurity bracket of world economies.
“When a Nation faces challenges of this monumental nature, it taps on its human and intellectual resources to mobilize for solution. I am confident that the communique from here will proffer multi faceted solutions” he noted.
He recommended that climate change outcomes and effects should be converted to food security advantages using engineering and agricultural best practices and the need to use flood receded land mass in planting grains and vegetables.
He equally advocated the need for government to deploy the research products and inventions of engineers and the nation’s innovations sector to boost agricultural productivity, taking a clue from China which is presently, one of the best world models.
Ita Enang further recommended the need for Government to ban the importation of agro-machineries and inputs from other countries as Nigerian Engineers are able to provide and even improvise machineries for agricultural engagements in Nigeria.
Other lead speakers at the event included Prof Minoru Sasaki, a renowned educator and researcher in the fields of control engineering, mechanical vibration, intelligent machines and robotics, Prof Aniekan Offiong, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo and Engr Comfort Adadu, the Director General of Benue State Public Procurement Commission who presented papers on varying from the use of modern technology to enhance manage climate change and food production.
Addressing Journalists at the event, Prof Aniekan Offiong said none involvement of engineers in key decision making arms of government may result in policy summersault or failure, hence advocated for the use of professionals to advance the food production value chain in the country.
The high point of the event was the Annual General Meeting and election of a new executive to run the affairs of the Institution with Engr Alhassan Mohammed reemerging as the National Chairman of NIMechE amongst others.
Rating the success of the event, Engr Ekerete Usak who emerged as the Vice Chairman, South-South region of the country and Engr John Urua, the State Chairman of the Institution hinted that the annual event tagged “Arise 2024” has accorded the participants an avenue to contribute meaningfully towards the growth and development of Nigeria.
The duo called on the Federal Government to empower citizens to invest in Agriculture as well as exercise the political will and readiness to advance food production.
The event climax with a dinner and award night where distinguished personalities were recognized for their contributions to the growth of NIMechE among other activities.
