COURTESY VISIT ON THE PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, MAKURDI

The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Makurdi Branch led by the Branch Chairman, Engr. Phelim U. Manger, MNSE on Wednesday 23^rd April, 2025 paid a courtesy visit on one of their own, Engr. Donald Ikyaaza, MNSE who was recently appointed Permanent Secretary in the Benue State Civil Service and posted to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development.

The NSE Makurdi branch Chairman on behalf of the entire members congratulated the Permanent Secretary on his well-deserved appointment and expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. DR. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for finding one of our Engineers worthy of appointment as Permanent Secretary. The Chairman expressed confidence that the PS will not disappoint the NSE based on his track record of successes recorded in the past and haven grown through the ranks to attain this height.

The Chairman solicited collaboration with the PS and the entire ministry in the technical aspect like monitoring and supervision to see that standards and quality are achieved in project execution as well as capacity development for staff of the Ministry and NSE members. He thanked the Ministry for using one of our members to train their staff in the newly established Soil Science Laboratory.

Furthermore, the Chairman intimated the PS of the NSE’s upcoming programs like the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) coming up on Thursday 24^th April 2025, Engineering games 3^rd May, 2025, Engineering Week slated for 2^nd to 6^th June, 2025. Engr. Manger inform the PS that most Engineers of the Ministry hardly attend NSE programs.

Another request made by the Chairman was the NSE’s request to the Governor for the land beside COREN state office which he appealed to the PS to assist the NSE in reminding the Governor of our request.

Finally, the Chairman urged the PS as well as the Ministry to establish a Mentoring system for young Engineers by recruiting them to work on ongoing projects.

In his response, the PS Engr. Donald Ikyaaza, MNSE welcomed and thanked the NSE for identifying with him as this has clearly shown him that he is not alone.

He promised to assist in the recruitment of young Engineers if the vacancies exist. Also, Engineers should come up with proposals for engagements.

On the non-attendance of NSE programs by majority of Engineers from the Ministry, Engr. Ikyaaza promised to encourage them to attend, and he will also be available and support financially subject to availability of funds.  

Land request: the PS asked for a copy of the letter submitted to the Governor and promised to discuss the matter with the Director General of BENGIS.

Engr. D. Ikyaaza further advised Engineers to have unity of purpose in order to take their rightful position in the society

The PS finally expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Benue state for finding him worthy of this appointment and requested for prayers not to disappoint.

A vote of thanks was given by Engr. Alex Akorigyah, MNSE on behalf of the Branch,

Thirteen (13) Engineers were in attendance.

Engr. Peter Orseer Akange, MNSE

Publicity Secretary