By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The Nigerian Institute of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), recently held its fourth inauguration ceremony for the Awka Chapter Chairman and his executive team.
In a welcome address, the National Chairman of NIHTE, Engr. Francis Oriakhi FNSE, FNIHTE congratulated the 4th chairman and his exco members, believing that the team will advance the chapter’s progress and that of the profession at large, noting that the leadership within NIHTE reguires integrity, vision and unwavering dedication.
The national chairman, who was represented by Engr. Edmond Nkalu FNSE, pointed out that Nigeria resides in rural communities and these areas are responsible for the bulk of the nation’s agricultural output, yet poor rural acess remains one of the biggest barrier to agricultural productivity, market linkage, food distribution, healthcare access, education and overall quality of life.
He called for improvement in transport condition to bring sustained acess to rural development.
In his remarks, the pioneer chairman Engr. Obiudu Chidi, FNITHE, a Rotarian, stressed that each tenure brings a new administration and urged the Awka Chapter to stay aligned with the national body.
He described the event as a platform for experienced lecturers to share practical engineering challenges and called for greater focus on rural road development to boost agriculture and the state’s economy.
He thanked the State Project Coordinator of RAAMP for explaining the programme, the government for its investment, the NIHTE Awka leadership, the organising committee, the national chairman’s representative, the managing director of a construction firm and the Commissioner for Works.
Engr. Chidi urged resilience, practical experience, and active engagement in Anambra’s ongoing construction projects, encouraging students to “practice what they study” and step into the field.
A resource person, Engr
Nwafor Anthony, warned against common pitfalls such as signing without reading, vague scopes, and ignoring statutory requirements.
He recommended thorough document review, especially clauses on change orders, claims and termination, and advised maintaining a contract register, contemporaneous records, early communication with contractors, and written documentation of variations.
Engr. Ifeanyi Anarado (RAMP) explained that the workshop aims to boost agricultural productivity by providing all‑season road access to farms and markets, detailing components such as rural road construction, feeder‑road upgrades, and agrologistic hubs.
Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Orakyeh (National Vice‑Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers) and Engr. MaryJane Oluchi Okoye (first female Chairman, NSE, Awka Branch), advised young engineers to have clear motives, seek mentors, be patient, and add value to professional bodies.
Engr. Anthony Amaobi, Director of Maintenance & Engineering Services, Ministry of Works, who received an award of recognition for contributions to highway and transportation development in Anambra State, noted that the award motivates further work.
Engr. Udechukwu Obianyo, the 4th Chairman of NIHTE, Awka, called for unity and support for the new administration, recalling his own service as treasurer of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
The ceremony ended with appreciation to all participants and a commitment to continue advancing infrastructure and professional growth in Anambra .
