The first edition of Ezekwe-Barberopoulos-Obikwelu honourary Lecture Series organized by the Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical Mining and Materials Engineers, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, has ended in Awka with a call for a breakdown of, and investment in Metallurgical Mining and Materials Engineering disciplines to sustain the development of the nation.
Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that the lecture series was instituted in honor of an accomplished inventor and scholar, the late Professor Gordian Ezekwe from Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area, a Greek and considered father of foundry, the late Mr. Romeo Barberopoulos, and celebrated scholar, Professor Daniel Obikwelu from Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area, who were honoured for their contributions in the development of science and technology in Nigeria, including during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.
Addressing participants at the event the National Chairman of Metallurgical Mining and Materials Engineers, Professor Aje Tokan said the breakdown will help Nigeria achieve technological advancement.
Professor Tokan, represented by Mr Nathan Abia-Bassey identified nonavailability of market, high interest rate and lack of support to young Engineers as setbacks, calling on the private sector to assist the government in changing the narrative.
In his remark, the Awka chapter Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical Mining and Materials Engineers, Mr Michael Orekyeh said the first edition of the lecture series was designed to sustain legacies of accomplished Engineers; as basis for inspiring future professionals.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Foundry: Means of fabricating metallic components in Nigeria”, Professor Obikwelu said foundry has remained vital skill and enterprise that must be embraced if Nigeria truly wants to industrialize.
On his part after posthumous honour on his uncle, Chief Romanus Ezekwe noted that policy somersault has been the bane of development of science and technology in Nigeria, adding that proper funding and management of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, now under the Presidency, will help in achieving the vision of the late Professor Ezekwe, who later became the Minister of Science and Technology under the Babangida administration.
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