Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, Executive Director of Projects on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has encouraged members of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) to tackle the obstacles hindering their COREN certification.
Speaking during a meeting with NATE members at the Commission’s headquarters on Tuesday, Olorogun Okorodudu praised the representatives for voicing the concerns of their members. He stressed the importance of pushing past obstacles, urging individuals not to settle for limitations but to work toward overcoming them.
“I’m truly encouraged when people speak up about challenges that go beyond their personal concerns. You’re here to advocate for your profession and association, and anyone working to address issues facing their professional bodies deserves praise. One recurring issue I’ve noticed during the ongoing interview panel is the perception of engineers as mere technicians without certain certifications. Without these certifications, there’s a limit to how far you can advance in your career. What surprises me is how some people simply accept these limits instead of working hard to break through them.
“If you belong to the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) or NATE and do not have certain certifications, why can’t you strive to obtain them? Don’t let limitations define you; strive for excellence and never give up,” Okorodudu advised.
The Executive Director of Projects encouraged NATE members to put their concerns in writing to the Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Chief Festus Ochonogor, and to copy his office so he can advocate for their cause during Management and Board meetings.
Earlier, Engr. Ovabor Okpakowodo, MNATE, Chairman of the NATE Warri Chapter, requested sponsorships for members attending NATE assemblies and conferences. He also urged contractors working on DESOPADEC projects to hire certified engineers who belong to professional bodies.
Other NATE members at the meeting supported the chairman’s concerns, pointing out that the Commission’s sponsorship of engineering conferences and seminars is currently limited to COREN-certified individuals. They requested that NATE members also be considered for these opportunities, emphasizing the ongoing benefits even after retirement.
Also present during the visit were TGST Abel Agusa; TGST Fole O. Abel; Engr. Joseph I. Okhakumen; Engr. Tech. Tosanwumi Silas Dorton; Engr. Sagay Blessing; Engr. Lucky Ejovwke Barrack; and Odili O. Kenneth.
