Yilwatda made the assertion on Tuesday after participating in the opening ceremony of the 34th Engineering Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja, where engineering professionals, policymakers, academics and industry leaders gathered to deliberate on the future of engineering practice in the country.
Describing himself as a proud member of the engineering profession, the APC chairman said the annual assembly was both timely and inspiring, providing an important platform for advancing engineering excellence, strengthening professional standards and contributing to national development.
He said the event reinforced the fact that engineering is not merely a profession but a strategic tool for nation-building, economic prosperity and social progress.
According to him, the theme of this year’s assembly, “Shaping Solutions. Building a Greater Future,” aptly captures the critical role engineers must play in addressing Nigeria’s increasingly complex developmental challenges through practical, innovative and technology-driven solutions.
Yilwatda stressed that shaping solutions requires more than technical expertise, saying engineers must demonstrate visionary leadership, creativity, ethical conduct, continuous research and a commitment to solving societal problems.
He noted that engineers are expected to develop resilient infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, modern agricultural systems, improved healthcare delivery, expanded digital connectivity and stronger industrial capacity.
The APC chairman said building a greater future also requires deliberate investments in engineering education, research, innovation and local capacity development, noting that countries that have achieved rapid economic transformation did so by empowering their engineers, scientists and innovators to produce indigenous solutions.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the human capital, natural resources and youthful talent needed to drive technological advancement if adequately supported through sound government policies, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in science, engineering and innovation.
Yilwatda further emphasised that engineering remains central to the successful execution of major national infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, bridges, housing, water resources, power, telecommunications, manufacturing, mining and the digital economy.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises infrastructure and technological advancement as critical pillars of economic development, making the role of engineers indispensable in translating government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
The APC chairman also urged Nigerian engineers to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, green construction technologies, data science and advanced manufacturing while maintaining high ethical and professional standards.
He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulatory agencies, academic institutions, professional bodies and the private sector, saying sustainable national development can only be achieved through coordinated efforts.
Yilwatda commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for promoting professional excellence, strengthening engineering regulation, protecting public safety and ensuring that engineering practice in Nigeria meets global standards.
He described the annual Engineering Assembly as an invaluable platform for policy dialogue, innovation, mentorship and professional development, expressing confidence that the resolutions from the conference would help accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation and infrastructure development.
The APC national chairman also encouraged young engineers to remain committed to excellence, innovation and integrity, assuring them that the future belongs to professionals who combine technical competence with visionary leadership and dedication to public service.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the ability of Nigerian engineers to provide transformative solutions that would address the country’s infrastructure deficit, improve productivity, create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the assembly, Yilwatda said the ideas and partnerships forged during the event would further strengthen the engineering profession and advance Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable development, technological advancement and shared prosperity.
“By harnessing our collective knowledge, embracing innovation, upholding professionalism and working together across sectors, we can truly shape lasting solutions and build the greater future that every Nigerian deserves,” he said.
