By Ezekiel Ibok
The Oron Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Saturday, June 14, hosted its 11th Annual Public Lecture in honour of one of Nigeria’s most revered engineers, Sir Edet James Amana. Amana who pursued academic excellence while obtaining his education, bagged first class in all three of his degrees in engineering studies. From Bachelors degree, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy, Edet Amana broke world records, building for himself a reputation that stands out in history.
A Knight of John Wesley (KJW), Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FSNE), Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), Amana who was elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Third Republic, remains a colossus. He is not only here with us, the world has also passed through him. At 86 years, Sir Edet James Amana is not resting on in his oasis, after going through several training and professional courses during his post career life, to obtain DSC, FNIC, FNIM, FNIOD, MICE, MASCE, among others. As at today, Amana still blazes the trail in the engineering field, as he remains the Chief Engineer at Amana Engineering Consortium Limited.
Therefore, hosting a public lecture in his honour was not an occasion to trivialise. The event which was held at Madam Arit Okpoyo Amana Memorial Hall, Mary Hanney Secondary School, Oron, brought together engineering professionals, public servants, industry leaders, academics, and traditional authorities to deliberate on the theme: “Socioeconomic Infrastructure and the Blue Economy – The Role of the Engineer.”
In his opening address, Chairman of the NSE Oron Branch, Engr. Dr. Enyenihi Johnson, MNSE, welcomed guests and explained the significance of the theme. He noted that the world was moving beyond oil, and for Nigeria to remain relevant in the global economy, it must look to the vast potential of the Blue Economy — particularly in coastal communities like Oron. According to him, engineers must rise to the challenge by developing sustainable infrastructure that supports marine-based economic activities.
“The Blue Economy is not just about oceans and seas. It is about tapping into a wide range of opportunities in maritime transport, fisheries, offshore energy, tourism, and marine biotechnology. The role of engineers in creating the socioeconomic infrastructure to support these opportunities cannot be overstated,” he said.
Representing the National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. (Mrs.) Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, Engr. Aluyah Okodugha delivered a goodwill message that highlighted the strategic importance of the Oron Branch in advancing progressive discourse within the engineering profession. He emphasized that engineering must transcend traditional roles of construction and innovation to take a leading role in policy formulation, economic planning, and sustainability. He also acknowledged the profound impact of Sir Edet James Amana on the engineering community and Nigeria at large.
The keynote lecture, delivered by Engr. Ben Edenseting on behalf of the guest speaker Engr. Dr. Eniedabasi Etangetuk, FNSE (Head, Maritime Survey & Certification, NIMASA), explored Nigeria’s untapped maritime wealth and the critical role engineers must play in repositioning the country. He lamented the current practice of taking Nigerian vessels abroad for repairs, calling it a drain on the economy and a missed opportunity for local development.
“If our ships must leave Nigeria, it should be for trade, commerce, or tourism — not for maintenance,” he asserted. “We must build local shipyards, repair facilities, and train a new generation of engineers to serve this sector. We cannot talk about a Blue Economy without building the infrastructure to support it.”
Also at the event, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, delivered a passionate address, through her press secretary, Barr. Omen Bassey. In her speech, the Deputy Governor praised the NSE Oron Branch for choosing a topic that directly aligns with the government’s vision for economic diversification and infrastructure development.
“Akwa Ibom State is blessed with coastal assets that remain underutilized. This lecture is a call to action. We must mobilize intellectual and professional resources to harness our maritime endowments. I commend the Nigerian Society of Engineers, particularly the Oron Branch, for their consistency in thought leadership and capacity-building. You are partners in development.
“I also wish to celebrate Sir Engr. Edet Amana, whose legacy continues to inspire generations. His contributions go far beyond engineering. He is a nation builder, a philanthropist, and a moral compass for young professionals. Today, we do not just honour an engineer; we honour a legend”, she said.
Held with the intent to celebrate Sir Edet Amana, Ikpoto Oro, as a world class icon, the event saw speakers pouring encomiums on octogenarian. His immense contributions to the development of engineering in Nigeria and his impactful mentorship in both public and private sectors were analysed. Speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes to the elder statesman, describing him as a symbol of discipline, integrity, and vision.
To further demonstrate commitment to nurturing future professionals, the NSE Oron Branch awarded scholarships to undergraduate students who have shown academic excellence and expressed passion for engineering. The scholarship scheme, according to Sir Edet Amana, will cover the students’ current level of education and serve as a support system as they journey through the profession.
Goodwill messages were delivered from both local and international engineering companies, who commended the Oron Branch for organizing a lecture of such relevance. Among those who sent in messages were stakeholders from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and other international marine consultancies. Their messages emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration between engineering bodies and industry leaders in transforming Nigeria’s Blue Economy vision into reality.
Throughout the event, there was a strong atmosphere of reflection and renewed purpose. Conversations went beyond technicalities to explore governance, policy gaps, and institutional reforms necessary for engineers to thrive and for the economy to grow.
In a resounding call to action, the speakers charged engineers, especially in Akwa Ibom and coastal Nigeria, to “put on their thinking caps” and begin solving local problems with indigenous solutions. They emphasized that the strength of Nigeria’s economy, now and in the future, will depend on how well the country develops infrastructure around its waterways, ports, fisheries, and coastal communities.
The event had in attendance several distinguished personalities, including: Engr. Dr. Aluyah D. Okodugha, FNSE, Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Engr. Chief Okon Etim Edet; Barr. Omen Bassey, who represented the Deputy Governor; Engr. Nseobong Essang, Managing Director of Merlebon Academy; High Chief Prof. Ekanem A. Uwe, KJW, Itai Oro; Hon. Engr. Asuquo Asuquo, representing the Chairman of Oron Local Government Area; Engr. Dr. Enedianabasi Etangetuk, who served as Guest Lecturer; and Ulap Ezekiel Ibok, representing Chief Engr. Benedict Ukpong, FNSE, Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission, among others.
