The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Onitàsha Branch, has initiated plans to partner with John Zobis Group of Companies Limited, manufacturers of Zobis Wires and Cables, in a move aimed at strengthening indigenous manufacturing and creating more opportunities for professional engineers in Anambra State and Nigeria.
The proposed partnership was discussed during a technical inspection of the Zobis Wires and Cables production facility at Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, by the leadership and members of the NSE Onitsha Branch.
Speaking after the inspection on Tuesday, Chairman of the NSE Onitsha Branch, Engr. Okey Nwosu, MNSE, said the branch had developed an action plan to promote professional engineering practice and expand opportunities for engineers to contribute meaningfully to industrial and technological development.
Nwosu explained that the initiative would involve collaboration with stakeholders across the engineering and industrial sectors, technology hubs, indigenous businesses, professional organisations, economic groups, the media and other individuals committed to national development.
He disclosed that the branch was also working towards establishing an Engineering Innovation Hub in Onitsha, as well as an NSE-Onitsha Online Engineering Resources Portal.
According to him, the branch plans to establish a networking platform that would connect engineering students undergoing Industrial Training (IT), engineering graduates and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with practical opportunities within the industrial sector.
Nwosu expressed satisfaction with the quality of products and production processes observed at the Zobis facility, describing the company as a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s capacity for indigenous manufacturing.
He said the facility had shown that Nigerian-owned companies could compete favourably with international manufacturers when given the right support and a conducive operating environment.
“What we observed today in this factory has proven to us that Nigeria still has individuals with the fear of God and the commitment to producing quality products that can satisfy our taste for Made-in-Nigeria products,” Nwosu said.
He assured that the NSE was willing to collaborate with Zobis to sustain its commitment to quality while creating employment and business opportunities for engineers.
“We are ready to partner with the company to encourage and sustain its commitment to quality. The partnership will also assist NSE in Anambra and the country as a whole to empower professional engineers through employment and business opportunities, particularly at a time when the profession is facing low patronage due to the high rate of quackery,” he said.
Nwosu said closer cooperation between professional engineers and indigenous manufacturers would help bridge the gap between engineering education, professional practice and industrial application.
He noted that the inspection enabled the NSE Onitsha Branch to identify potential areas of collaboration with Zobis, including technical development, engineering standards, industrial innovation and professional advancement.
He added that the partnership could also help address technical challenges facing industries while supporting the training and development of the next generation of Nigerian engineers.
The NSE chairman further reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to identifying and supporting indigenous companies contributing to Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
While commending Zobis for building a Nigerian brand with growing recognition, Nwosu urged the company to strengthen its marketing and advertising efforts to expand its reach.
He also appealed to governments at all levels to create a more favourable environment for local manufacturers, particularly by addressing the persistent challenges associated with electricity supply.
According to him, reliable electricity would reduce production costs and constraints, improve productivity and enable indigenous manufacturers to maintain quality while expanding their operations.
In his welcome address, General Manager of Zobis Wires and Cables, Engr. Arinze Okwosa, thanked the NSE Onitsha Branch for visiting the facility and for its interest in promoting indigenous engineering and industrial development.
Okwosa said Zobis was prepared to develop an engineering advocacy programme in collaboration with other NSE branches, divisions and relevant organisations.
He identified engineering standards, state-of-the-art industrial workshops and NYSC-industry mapping as some of the areas that could form part of the proposed partnership.
“I commend your commitment to developing indigenous capacity. The platform you have provided has greatly enhanced the competence of Nigerian engineering professionals, putting them on par with their peers across the globe,” Okwosa said.
He stressed the need to transform the recommendations and observations from the inspection into concrete and measurable programmes that would deliver lasting benefits.
Okwosa expressed optimism that the engagement would provide a foundation for a long-term strategic relationship between the NSE and Zobis.
The inspection marked a significant step towards stronger collaboration between professional engineers and indigenous manufacturers, with the potential to generate employment and training opportunities while promoting local industrial capacity, innovation and technological development.
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