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Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME or 3M) hosts Fellowship Ceremony & Honours Illustrious Nigerians
Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME also called 3M), a Division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has honoured Nigerians for their illustrious contributions to the growth of Metallurgical and Mining industry in Nigeria.
The Institution bestowed the honourary award during the 2nd public lecture themed; “Ezekwe-Barberopoulos-Obikwelu (EBO) Honourary Lecture” held on Friday 1st December 2023 at the transmission company of Nigeria hall, in Abuja.
The public lecture christened after three illustrious individuals, namely Prof Gordian Ezekwe, Mr. Romeo Barberopoulos and Prof D.O.N. Obikwelu was aimed at rewarding Nigerians with stellar contributions to the industry.
The Highlights of the event came when each of these Individuals were honoured and they all had someone who spoke on their behalf.
Prof Onwue Abdulmalik Ibrahim R and Barberopoulos and Dr. Ibrahim Agava
Vassily Barberopoulos, the son of Romeo Barberopoulos, who delivered a keynote speech, spoke on behalf of his late Father.
It would be recalled that Late Romeo Barberopoulos established and ran the leading metals foundry in West Africa in 1969 after being one of the engineers to set up Africa’s first TV Station WNTV Ibadan, during his time with Leventis Group.
His Son, Mr. Oye Vassily Barberopoulos (The current MD) is more Nigerian than most of us and knows all corners of the country and has taken the company to new heights in mining, oil and gas and machine parts among others.
He is an authority in Additive Manufacturing (especially 3D printing) in Africa and took us through the opportunities and threats to existing fabrication industries, National during the 2nd Ezekwe-Barberopoulos-Obikwelu EBO Honourary Lecture. keeping the inspiration of the greats alive
Similarly, Professor Onwue Abdulmalik Ibrahim, a Research Director at NASENI, Abuja HQ spoke as Guest Lecturer for Prof Gordian Ezekwe.
Prof Onuwe started by explained how Late Prof Gordian Ezekwe hired him not caring where he came from but that he won NYSC prize as a pioneer staff of NASENI (which Prof Ezekwe founded during the IBB era).
How he worked with him closely in drafting, welding, fitting in the workshop even on Sundays, bringing innovations and ideas to life.
And how Prof. Ezekwe mentored him to a sterling career at NASENI passing through many departments and subsidiaries coming from OND and is a full Professor of Mechanical Engineering today.
Michael Orekyeh by Prof Obikwelu Banner
He talked of NASENI and its drive for local capabilities and manufacturing and its willingness to partner with 3M and NSE on research and other activities to drive technology in Nigeria.
Also, Late Prof. Gordian Obumneme Ezekwe, an illustrious son of Abagana received a post- humous award from Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Material Engineers during the ceremony.
The President Umuada Abagana National Association Iyom Dr. Mrs Ajia Ogugua Agagbo received the award on behalf of his family.
Late Prof. Gordian Obumneme Ezekwe was a Nigerian inventor, mechanical engineer and former Federal Minister of Science and Technology under General Ibrahim Babangida from 1989 to 1991.
He was a former Director of the Projects Development Agency (PRODA) (later renamed Institute), founder and first Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering, Infrastructure (NASENI) and founder of Science Equipment Development Institute (SEDI). Prof. Gordian Ezekwe was the first Nigerian PhD in Mechanical Engineering (1959).
Earlier, Dr. Friday I Apeh (a Director in NIBRRI) a Past National Chairman of 3M, spoke as Lecturer on behalf of Prof Daniel O.N. Obikwelu.
Prof. Obikwelu who was unavoidably not able to make the event, though he participated fully during the 1st Edition of the Ezekwe-Barberopoulos-Obikwelu EBO Honourary Lecture held in Awka, Anambra State 2022.
He is an award-winning student and researcher at the Michigan State University having done work for NASA and The US Navy. He worked in Delta Steel Company (DSC) Aladja, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) helping set up the SITP program that trained hundreds of Engineers in hands on Technology and also established Metallurgical Engineers as a distinct discipline in Shell HR and enable Metallurgy graduates work in Shell.
He worked at Nnamdi Aziliwe University, ESUT and the University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN, where with the help of the then VC, Prof Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo (Former Minster of Power) they set up the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering department at UNN. He was conferred Fellow of NIMMME.
The Institution executed new Membership Induction of over 110 inductees, 47 Fellows and 2 Honourary Fellows.
Such Fellows included
1) Prof Samson Duna DG NIBRRI (Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute)
2) Prof Hussaini Doko Ibrahim DG RMRDC (Raw Materials Research and Development Council)
3) Prof Chinedu Nebo form Minister of Power and current VC University on the Niger Onitsha
4) Mr. Obadiah Nkom DG Mining Cadastre Office , Abuja
5) Prof Adisa Ademola Bello Registrar COREN
6) Prof DON Obikwelu
7) Engr Jacob Titilope Adeyemo MD GeoCardinal Engineering
8) Prof AbdulGaniyu Funsho Alabi a Past National Chairman
9) Prof Aje Tokan the current National Chairman
10) Engr Michael Orekyeh of the Anambra State Ministry of Works
11) Engr Valerie Agberagba a General Manager at NDPHC
Other Fellows Conferred at the event included.
1) Engr Henry Bolarinwa
2) Prof David Esezobor
3) Engr Chinasaokwu Okorie
4) Engr Joseph Gansallo
5) Engr Sunday Agbalajobi
6) Engr Oduche Azih
7) Engr Kennedy Ibechem
8) Prof Leke Oluwole
9) Engr Ikenna Okonkwo (a Manager in NNPC)
10) Engr Fidelis Ezenwankwo MD Castmaster Ltd Kano
11) Engr Tafa Abubakar Quarry Manager BUA Cement
12) Engr Abdulraman Ottan
13) Prof Abdul Rahman Asipita Salawu of FUT Minna
15) Prof Jamiu Kolawole Odusote of Unillorin
16) Engr Ese Ochoga a Past Chairman
17) Engr Joy Ogbodo of SEDI Enugu
18) Prof Yusuf Shuaib-Banata of Unillorin
19) Engr Ayodele Mesaiyete of Lagarge Wapco
20) Engr Yahya Bukar a Director in Standards Organization of Nigeria
21) Engr Christian Onyibo a Director in Federal Ministry of Work, Abuja
The event was graced by many Dignitaries in the NSE and COREN space such as Engr Ali Rabiu MFR – immediate past President COREN, Vice President North Central Engr Joseph Adebayo, who represented the NSE President Engr Tasiu Saad Gidari-Wudil FNSE, National EXCO members, Branch Chairmen and many others.
Diran Onifade, a veteran Broadcast journalist was the Moderator of the event.
Telecommunications operators in Nigeria are considering shifting from the current national tariff structure to a regional tariff regime that accounts for state-specific operational challenges.
They say this is because the challenges and costs of running their businesses vary significantly from state to state.
Currently, phone companies in Nigeria have a single national tariff for their services, meaning everyone pays the same amount no matter where they live.
However, the telcos argue that this system doesn’t account for the fact that some states have higher operating costs due to issues like attacks on their equipment and multiple taxes.
This proposal was discussed at the 7th edition of the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) in Lagos, where industry leaders highlighted the need for a pricing model that reflects the ease—or difficulty—of doing business in each state.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), specifically pointed out that the high cost of doing business in some states is a major concern and increases their expenses. He suggested that if negotiating with certain states to reduce these costs is impossible, then the added expense of operating there should be reflected in the service prices in those areas.
“We may have to reconsider the issue of our national tariffs and look at regional tariffs. If you are aware that the cost of doing business is high in a particular state and it’s impossible to negotiate with them, factor the cost of deployment in those areas into the cost of providing services,” he said.
Tony Emoekpere, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), agreed that the current national tariff is unfair because operational costs are not the same across the country.
He believes that states that make it easier for telecom companies to operate should be rewarded, while those that create difficulties should see higher service costs.
9mobile, telecommunications operator, has described as untrue the rumors suggesting that it has shut down its operations.
according to the telcos, these claims are entirely baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among our valued subscribers, the mobile operator said in a statement.
“We understand that some customers have recently faced challenges, particularly with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a service that enables seamless network switching.
“We want to clarify that 9mobile has never restricted customers from porting to other networks. We remain fully compliant with industry regulations and committed to delivering fair, transparent, and customer-focused services.
“While there have been temporary technical challenges affecting MNP, these issues have now been largely resolved. Some minor delays may still occur due to ongoing system optimizations, but we are actively working to ensure a smoother experience for all users.
“As a proudly Nigerian brand, we embody the resilient spirit of our people and remain steadfast in our commitment to overcoming challenges. We acknowledge the temporary service disruptions some customers may have experienced in different locations.
“However, we assure you that these disruptions are part of a broader transformation effort aimed at modernizing our infrastructure and improving overall service quality.
“Our ongoing investments in network upgrades and service expansion will soon yield significant improvements, ensuring reliable connectivity for individuals, businesses, and communities.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and loyalty of our subscribers during this transition. While challenges exist, we are making significant progress and are confident that brighter days are ahead. We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and keeping you connected to limitless opportunities”.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has initiated an investigation into the data processing practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, following growing concerns about potential privacy violations.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, made the announcement today during a press conference in Abuja, where he also revealed the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and implementation directive (NDPC Act – GAID), 2025.
Dr Olatunji stated that the commission’s primary concern is how these platforms manage Nigerian users’ personal data, including potential breaches of consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023. He confirmed that the NDPC is actively investigating Tiktok and Truecaller’s data processing activities to ensure they comply with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
“The goal is to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data,” he added.
This investigation comes amid increasing scrutiny of global tech companies regarding data privacy, especially concerning how personal information is processed, stored, and transmitted beyond national borders.
The NDPC act – GAID, 2025, issued today, provides a detailed framework for implementing Nigeria’s data protection law, outlining compliance guidelines, enforcement mechanisms, and obligations for both public and private organizations.
Dr Olatunji emphasized that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring individuals’ rights to privacy are respected in accordance with international best practices.
He reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria must comply with the country’s data protection regulations or face regulatory actions, including fines and potential restrictions.
The NDPC has urged the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations.
The commission noted that reporting data breaches has become more accessible through dedicated channels on its official website.
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