Oguntala Has Shattered The Glass Ceiling for Women -Senate President, Akpabio

The President of Nigeria’s 10th Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, stated that Engr Margaret Oguntala, the 34th president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has shattered the glass ceiling for women, becoming the first female president in the society’s 65-year history.

Sen. Akpabio, the keynote speaker during the investiture ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on January 20, 2024, was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ibrahim Barau Jibrin.

He emphasized that her historic presidency inspires women to aim high, asserting, “The time has come for the NSE to enter the labour room and give birth to a new version of itself. Our society faces numerous obstacles hindering growth and development. With determination, we will get it right. Engineers must provide solutions, enable economic development, and aid national development.

“We must attract engineers abroad to come home and contribute to national development. Also, we must support our young engineers to excel. We must create diversity and inclusivity in the profession, where individuals of all backgrounds can learn and contribute their expertise and experience to our development,” he further said.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; members of the Diplomatic Corps; traditional rulers; members of international engineering associations; and other professional bodies in Nigeria.

Oguntala, a three-time Vice President of the association, holds an impressive record with over 53 awards, including the prestigious NSE Presidential awards received ten times.

She has also been honoured with the APWEN Innovative Leader Award, APBN Meritorious Service awards, and recognitions from various NSE Branches and Divisions.

The investiture also saw the inauguration of the Deputy President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, and six Vice-Presidents: Joseph Sunday Adebayo (South-west), Danladi Ushiki Adamu (North-east), Rose James Madaki (North-west), Felicia Nnenna Agubata (South-east), Bemogho Ofoeyeno (South-south), and Ademola Isaac Agoro (South-West).