After 65 years of its existence, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has elected its first female president.
In a historic shift, the incumbent and 33rd president, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil will hand over the reins of leadership to the 34th and first woman president in the society’s 65 years.
Engr. Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala FNSE would take over the reins of the Society from Jan. 1, 2024 in accordance with the laws of NSE for a period of two years.
Margaret Aina Oguntala, popularly known as the “Erelu worldwide” and regarded as the mother of the modern day engineering in Nigeria by young engineers in Nigeria.
She is coming in with a pool of experience, exposure and networks to further consolidate on the giant strides of Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Wudil who under his leadership produced the first black man as the president of the world federation of Engineering organisation and also made history as the first president to hand over to a female president.
Oguntala obtained a B.ENG degree in chemical engineering from the University of Benin in 1986. She was inducted as a corporate member of the NSE in 1996, registered with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) the same year and later became a fellow of NSE in 2010. A fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), she is also a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).
Oguntala began her career as a youth corps member with North Brewery Limited, Kano where she worked as an operator and assistant process supervisor. She later gained employment as a chemical sales executive with Afro International Enterprises Ltd, Matori Lagos in 1988 where she rose to the position of marketing manager before leaving to start her own company, Bamsat Nigeria Limited in 1992. The company which started as a chemical sales outfit has grown under her watch and diversified into other areas such as environmental consultancy, oil and gas services and fire/safety with clients among which are NNPC, First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Guinness Nig. PLC and Alaro Free Trade Zone.
Oguntala’s current positions include managing partner, Bamsat Engineering Limited; board member, Black House Media; member, Governing Council, Lagos State Polytechnic among others.
She was the chairman of NSE Ikeja Branch (2009 – 2011) and a three-term vice president (2014, 2015 and 2016).
Oguntala has been married to Engr. Theophilus Oguntala for nearly 33 years. They have children and grandchildren. Oguntala enjoys travelling, acting and reading.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oguntala had been the Deputy President of NSE for the past two years.
According to Gidari-Wudil, the election, which was to have been held during the NSE Annual General Meeting in November, is postponed due to a court injunction initiated by a contestants.
“On this note, I wish to inform the general public that the state of affairs of the Nigerian Society of Engineers is stable and robust.
“I hereby wish to crave the indulgence of the newly elected Executive Committee Members to extend that same support to the in-coming President.
“Finally, to all the members of our great Society, I send my sincere appreciations for the trust they reposed in us to offer leadership in the last two years.
“Even though there may have been few challenges here and there, I am happy that we are leaving a united house,” he said.
NAN reports that the newly elected members of the society include the President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, Deputy President, Mr Ali Rabiu, Vice Presidents Mr Joseph Adebayo, (South-West) and Mr Danladi Adamu, (North-East).
Other Vice Presidents are Mrs Rose Madaki, (North-West), Mrs Felicia Agubata, (South-East), Mr Bemogho Ofoeyeno (South-South) and Mr Ademola Agoro, (South-West).
NAN reports that members of the National Executive Committees also elected are Mr Ibrahim Hammadikko, (North-East), Mr Aliyu Dutsinma Ibrahim, (North-East), Mrs Rachel Ugye (North-Central).
Also Ndifon Agbiji, (South-South), Mr Abraham Aghadike (South-East) and Prof. Olumide Ogundipe (South-West).
On the Statutory Audit Committee are Mr Greg Ashibuogu, Mrs Clara Anyanwu-Amadi and Dr Omolola Adetona.
NAN
