DELSU DVC Bags NSE Excellence Award, Calls For Technology-Driven Public Safety

Renowned engineer and academic, Engr. Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Asaba Branch, while calling for the deployment of secure technologies to strengthen public safety and build resilient communities across Nigeria.

Professor Owamah is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Academic, Delta State University, Abraka.

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Owamah received the honour after delivering the keynote lecture at the Public Lecture and Induction Ceremony of new members of the NSE Asaba Branch, held at Umukoro Hall, Ministry of Works, Asaba, Delta State, on June 25.

Speaking on the theme, “Building a Resilient Society: Engineering Secure Technology for Public Safety,” the professor examined the critical role of engineering, innovation and emerging technologies in tackling insecurity, cyber threats, flooding, building collapse, infrastructure failures, environmental degradation and the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation.

He stressed that public safety is fundamental to sustainable development and urged governments, professionals and stakeholders to invest in resilient systems capable of anticipating risks, reducing vulnerabilities, adapting to changing conditions and recovering quickly from disasters.

The engineering scholar highlighted the importance of deploying intelligent surveillance systems, cybersecurity platforms, smart transportation networks, disaster prediction and early warning systems, as well as smart infrastructure monitoring technologies. He also underscored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in crime prevention, traffic management, disaster forecasting, infrastructure monitoring and emergency response coordination.

Owamah further explored engineering solutions for flood management, smart city development, tackling building collapse and protecting critical national infrastructure through resilient engineering systems and emerging technologies.

He challenged engineers to see themselves not merely as builders of physical infrastructure but as guardians of society whose professional decisions directly affect human lives, public safety and national development.

The lecture drew widespread commendation from dignitaries and participants, who praised the depth of its content and quality of presentation.

In recognition of his contributions to the advancement of engineering in Nigeria, the NSE Asaba Branch presented Owamah with its Award of Excellence.

Expressing gratitude for the honour, he thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, including its President and Chairman-in-Council, Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, who was represented by Chief C. Chukwura, and the Chairman of the NSE Asaba Branch, Ikechukwu Collins Osunde, for organising the impactful programme.

He also congratulated the newly inducted engineers, urging them to uphold professionalism, competence, integrity and service to humanity, while reaffirming that the future belongs to societies that successfully harness technology, innovation, sustainability and resilience to build a safer and stronger Nigeria.