- As NSE, MCO collaborate for jobs creation through mentorship
The Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), MCO, Engr Obadiah Simon Nkom says the country currently has five thousand, two hundred and seventy-six valid mineral licenses, adding that the Office will continue to prioritize the implementation of investor-friendly policies, while working with relevant stakeholders to fully achieve economic diversification.
Engr Simon Nkom who made this known during a recent visit of the delegation of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Maitama Branch, led by its Chairman, Engr Oladipupo Isiaka Mabogaje to the Head Office of the MCO in Abuja.
Engr Nkom assured that the Mining Cadastre Office will identify areas of mutual interest, and collaborate with the Chapter, stating that the contribution of engineering to national development cannot be overemphasized.
Discussing the mandate of the MCO, the Director General said: ‘Minerals Licensing is the mandate of the Mining Cadastre Office,’ adding that, ‘right now, Nigeria has about five thousand, two hundred and seventy-six valid Mineral Titles in the country.’
Nkom explained that the ‘reach of the MCO extends to the boundary of Nigeria,’ stating that ‘whatever mineral you mine, you must come to the MCO to obtain a license.’
Nkom, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, explained that the Office was executing its mandate in line with rules governing the administration of mineral titles in the country, adding that the effort will complement government’s determination to sustain the economy.
‘Bitumen, sands and other materials used in construction all come from solid minerals, so the synergy between engineering and solid minerals is real and must be sustained,’ he added.
He welcomed the delegation saying: ‘I am honored for the privilege of your visit,’ adding that all the management staff of the MCO has joined him in welcoming the delegation.
He said: ‘The MCO will give you the necessary support which cuts across the various branches of engineering. As a member and Fellow of the Society, I am excited by the drive of Maitama Branch in terms of mobility, professionalism of the engineering profession, development of younger generation of engineers and community development.’
Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Maitama Chapter, Engr Oladipupo Mabogaje commended the Managing Director, Geocardinal Engineering Services, Engr Titilope Adeyemo for initiating ideas for cooperation with relevant authorities, saying that collaboration will pave way for the development of the Chapter and the engineering profession. Mabogaje added that ‘the Motto of Maitama Branch is “upholding the dignity of engineering profession.”’
He explained that the desire of the Chapter to collaborate with the MCO for jobs creation through mentorship of younger generation of engineers is one of several programs designed by the new Executives of the Chapter, stating that senior engineers who are vastly experienced are encouraged to share their knowledge invigorate the young.
‘We want to collaborate with the MCO to advance the cause of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship will create jobs without necessarily looking for white collar jobs. We want young engineers to learn and be able to work and ear.
‘In terms of membership welfare, we are poised to support members who have needs, as well as participate in ceremonies of members,’ he said.
‘We want MCO to let its experienced engineers tutor younger engineers in collaboration with the Chapter.’
Discussing previous efforts of the Chapter, the Chairman said: ‘Maitama Branch has showcased competence in Professional Engagements in Kano and some other places,’ stating that the Chapter defeated seventy-eight co-contestants to clinch the first position in an engagement in Kano.
He said Community Development is also a key goal of the Chapter, stating that Engineers must give back to Nigeria, the country to which they owe their successes.
‘As a Chapter, the Maitama Branch of the NSE has solved problems in Gwagwalada with use of membership levies. Apart from drilling boreholes, we donated other things to communities.’
‘We desire to embark on Technical Visitations to industries where engineering-related products are manufactured in order to contribute to problem-solving across the spheres,’ he said, adding that the Chapter has a Think-Thank Committee which can be deployed to tackle problems at little or no cost to beneficiaries.
Discussing strategies aimed at generating a pool of funds to finance Social Works of the Chapter, the Chairman said: ‘We want to embark on investment and fund generation,’ adding that the Director General is a man of deep engineering skills that will remain vital to realization of the economic diversification.
‘We appeal to the MCO to support us in raising funds for land purchase for the Maitama Branch of the NSE, as well as the need for mobility,’ he added.
