General
Mechanical Engineers Launch Online Internship/Mentorship Platform
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) has launched its Internship and Mentorship online Platform (NIMP).
The professional body said it is first of its kind in Africa and it has been designed to equip young mechanical engineers and students with valuable skills that will help them face the realities in the labour market and also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.
Speaking at the launch, the National Chairman of NIMechE, Mr Mohammed Ndaliman, said “this will close the skill-gap for Nigerian Engineers to provide the needed technological leadership to drive the robust continental economic integration project, to develop Africa into the global powerhouse of the future; as the cry by organization and industries keeps increasing geometrically about graduates inability to fit into the organizations’ role of carrying out assigned projects.”
He noted that mechanical engineering practice is taking a new face in Africa and that there was a need to use mentorship and internship to supplement theoretical knowledge.
Mr Ndaliman further stressed that there was a growing concern over the increasing rate of unemployment in the sector, due to a lack of technical skills.
He added that the program is meant to proffer solutions to these challenges and will also go further in giving engineers the necessary knowledge needed to harness their skills into building their enterprise.
”It is the hope of the NIMechE to assist its members to develop core values that will be reckoned with in Nigeria and beyond.
”The Institution has recorded success in its efforts to build and develop its professional body to stand the test of time given that the NiMechE Internship and Mentorship Platform (NIMP), is the second to be institutionalized.
“The first program known as the NIMechE Innovation Challenge (NIC) held annually, was a capacity building opportunity for mechanical engineering students to explore, to enable them to bring their creativity to reality and cook up solutions to the many challenges facing Nigeria’s sector like Agriculture, Security, Health care delivery, Automation and Sustainable energy amongst others.” He explained.
The NIMechE chairman said that the programme drew attendance from over 20 higher institutions across Nigeria and five others from Ghana.
”African engineers will play a pivotal role in manufacturing and industrialization in line with the African Continental Trade Agreement (AfCTA) endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari to boost the trade volume and economic integration among other African countries, and lay the building blocks for the gradual realization of the ‘Agenda 2063- the Africa We Want’ goal”.
Mr Ndaliman reiterated the body’s commitment to supporting federal government and other African leaders in their quest to industrialize the African continent by ensuring that young engineering graduates and students are well equipped through training and re-training of the industrial workforce.
The National Chairman appreciated the funding and supports received from various organizations, such as Royal Academy of Engineers, – GCRF, Africa Catalyst Phase 3.0, IAESTE, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Energy Training Centre, Industrial Training Fund, IMechE-UK, EFN-UK, Balbus, UK Limited, Laspotech, African Engineering Education Association, and other distinguished Nigerian Engineers and Engineering Organizations.
The event had in attendance renowned and seasoned engineers and big wigs in the engineering world.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
