The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central District, Dozie Nwankwo, has described engineers as nation builders and wealth creators, urging them to harness their skills to drive economic growth and national development.
Nwankwo made the remarks while chairing the 2026 Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Faculty of Engineering Lecture Series, themed “Engineering Pathways to Economic Sustainability: Unlocking Opportunities in Agripreneurship, Oil and Gas, and Beyond,” held at the ASUU Secretariat Hall in Awka.
Although not an engineer by profession, he said his success was built on knowledge, passion and innovative ideas, adding that the lecture theme reflected the need for stronger collaboration to unlock new opportunities.
He described engineering as the engine of economic development and encouraged professionals to translate their training into practical solutions by demonstrating competence and producing goods that would benefit the nation.
Declaring the lecture open, the UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, commended the Faculty of Engineering for choosing a theme he described as critical to national development.
The Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, urged engineers to create value that would strengthen the sector and contribute to economic growth.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, said the lecture series was organised to foster collaboration with professionals and development partners outside the university. He called for support through training, scholarships, grants and other strategic partnerships to strengthen the town-and-gown relationship.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Engr. Prof. Louis Orakwe, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to advancing education, research and innovation.
Also speaking, APC chieftain Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo credited the faculty for laying the foundation of his professional success.
The event also featured the presentation of awards of excellence to policymakers, industry leaders, public administrators and education stakeholders for their contributions to the energy and agricultural sectors.
