The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ikeja Branch has urged young engineers to develop innovative solutions to address energy access challenges and drive sustainable development.
The President and Chairman-in-Council of the NSE, Mr Ali Rabiu, said this while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the NSE Ikeja Branch’s Innovation Week 2026 (8th Edition) in Lagos on Wednesday.
The event had the theme, “Engineering Adaptable Solution for Energy Access and Sustainable Development for All.”
Rabiu, represented by NSE Fellow, Ibrahim Aledu, said energy remained central to global economic and political developments, with rising costs placing pressure on households and businesses.
He said ongoing debates on the future of energy highlighted the need for innovative solutions that balanced conventional and renewable energy sources.
“The world will increasingly depend on your ideas, creativity and expertise to solve some of its most pressing energy challenges,” he said.
Earlier, the chairman of NSE Ikeja Branch, Nimot Muili, said the three-day event was designed to expose students and young engineers to practical, hands-on training in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
Muili said the programme would help participants develop problem-solving skills, creativity and innovation through interactive sessions, demonstrations and project-based learning.
She said the event’s theme reflected the critical role of engineering in addressing energy access and sustainable development challenges.
Muili said engineers must remain innovative and adaptable in developing sustainable energy systems, resilient infrastructure and emerging technologies that improve lives and drive economic growth.
“Together, we can engineer adaptable solutions that will expand energy access, strengthen communities and build a more sustainable future for all,” she said.
Similarly, the managing director of Proyecto Technologies Ltd., Oyetayo Ige, described Engineering as a profession built on problem-solving and practical innovation.
“Innovation does not require a lot of money; it begins with curiosity. Every problem presents an opportunity, and engineering is about developing practical solutions,” he said.
Ige said young engineers should not be discouraged by limited resources, but should instead focus on identifying local problems and creating simple, scalable solutions that could make a real difference.
He added that collaboration, mentorship and continuous learning remained essential for turning ideas into impactful projects that could be sustained and commercialised.
The president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Chinyere Igwegbe, said engineers had a critical role in expanding energy access and advancing sustainable development across Africa.
She urged young Nigerians to harness their creativity and entrepreneurial potential to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Also, the director general of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Dr Kazeem Raji, said the Technology Incubation Centre was supporting innovators to transform ideas into successful businesses.
“We incubate businesses, nurture innovative ideas and help entrepreneurs grow into successful manufacturers of made-in-Nigeria products that can compete globally,” he said.
Raji, represented by the manager of the Technology Incubation Centre, Jummai Balogun, said the centre provided technical guidance, mentorship, and access to facilities that help innovators refine their concepts and move from prototypes to market-ready products.
He added that the incubation process was designed to reduce the risks faced by start-ups and improve their chances of survival, growth and job creation.
In his closing remarks, chairman of the Planning Committee, Ikeja Branch, Tomide Akinnawo, said the programme reflected the branch’s commitment to professionalism, excellence and sustainable engineering development.
The Innovation Week featured the Francis Oguamanam Inno-Creativ Fair (FOIF) and the Idiat Amusu Project Skills Initiative (IAAPSI), established to promote innovation, creativity, and practical skills among young engineers.
The hands-on training will empower 60 corps members, 100 students, 20 early-career professionals and 10 teachers.