COREN inaugurates technical, monitoring committee in A’Ibom

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has inaugurated its State Technical Committee (STC) and State Expatriate Monitoring Committee (SEMC) in Akwa Ibom State as part of its commitment to restructure reform and set a standard for its operational framework.

Inaugurating members of the committee at the Nigeria Society of Engineers Secretariat in Uyo, the President of COREN, Engr. (Prof) Sadiq Zubair Abubakar explained that the committee is a key organ for compliance and enforcement of all engineering related practices in the state and urged members to bring in their professionalism in maintaining standards.

Engr. Abubakar informed that COREN is an agency entrusted by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the mandate to regulate the education, training, and practice of engineering.

“COREN is here in Akwa Ibom State to strengthen collaboration with the government and the good people of the state. Our goal is to ensure that engineering practices adhere to global best standards, fostering sustainable development and excellence in the profession.”

He stressed that engineering regulation is the bedrock of the profession, as they ensure that work meets global best practices and contribute meaningfully to national development, outlining some of the committee’s mandate to include, engineering regulations monitoring and enforcement, technical and administrative oversight, as well as stakeholders’ engagement and advocacy.

The President further lauded the developmental strides of Governor Umo Eno and thanked him for his collaboration and partnership with the engineering body.

“Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on his recent recognition as Governor of the Year by This Day Newspapers and Arise TV. This prestigious honor is a testament to his remarkable developmental strides across the state, spanning rural development, education, housing, job creation, agriculture, human capacity development, and extensive infrastructure projects.

“Today, COREN is in Uyo, Akwa lbom State, on a working visit to strengthen the achievement of the State in engineering practice. His Excellency has instituted various projects under the ARISE Agenda, with some already completed, such as the Akpan Andem Market Amphitheatre, Christmas Village Arena, Atiku Abubakar underground tunnel, and Goretti Secondary School Road, among others.”

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Occasion, Engr.  George Okoroma, who is also chairman, COREN South-South, Steering Committee, while welcoming stakeholders to the event, informed that the State inauguration is the directive of the President in ensuring that engineering is taken to the grassroots with the highest level of monitoring.

Engr. Okoroma expressed confidence with the selection process of the committee members, and assured that with their years of experience and in-depth knowledge gained, they would reposition COREN with new modalities which according to him would bring durable infrastructure in the state.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Engr.  Emmanuel Udang, FANTE, expressed his appreciation to attendees for honouring their invitation, especially president of COREN Engr. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar and his team.

He called on the committee members to initiate reforms that would strengthen and promote sustainable development in Akwa-Ibom State.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of STC Engr. Uwen Akpan, assured the president and all stakeholders that he would raise the bar of professionalism and also ensure that engineering jobs are done by engineers inline with regulatory guidelines.

He said, “We will make good use of the opportunity and partner institutions and government. We will expand and consolidate on the mandate given to us. Mr. President, be rest assured of our dedicated stewardship. We will defend this profession with everything in us and place value on local content,” Akpan assured.

The high point of the inauguration was the presentation of complete tools and engineering materials to Governor Umo Eno by COREN for his commitment and outstanding performance in the engineering sector received by permanent secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Engr.  Udosen Udo, who equally represented the governor.