Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian engineers to capitalise on the digital revolution’s prospects by innovating competitively to ensure that the country and the African continent do not miss out on the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s growth and development opportunities.
The current industrial revolution, which is characterised by the dominance of the Internet and a fusion of technologies, is reshaping and changing the world at a rapid pace, according to the former President, who added that Africa cannot afford to miss out, as it did in previous technological revolutions.
Dr. Jonathan made the remarks during the investiture of Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Society Of Engineers (NSE) on Friday in Abuja.
He also urged engineers to lead the charge for long-term growth and development.
The former President went on to say that engineering is the cornerstone for progress, technological innovation, and national transformation and that the country has immense natural resources to assist the development of alternative and renewable energy sources.
“I believe that our engineers are the key to our economic and technological success, whether in the current information technology and knowledge economy or traditional brick and mortar infrastructure development,” he stated.
“In the nation’s development momentum, our engineers should take the lead in pushing for sustainable growth.”
“It’s fortunate that the individual in charge of  NSE today is an experienced electrical engineer with a flair for invention.”
“I believe he is keeping a close eye on global developments in the energy sector, as the world is gradually shifting to renewable energy, with fossil fuels receiving less attention due to environmental concerns,” he added.
He went on to say that considering that the country has a ray of abundant all-year-round sunshine, several kilometres of ocean coastline, and various bodies of water with significant waves, currents, and wind, it will become a force to be reckoned with in this regard it diligently apply developing alternative and renewable energy sources.
