Determined to provide the needed support for aspiring and practising young engineers in Nigeria, Hamed Olugbenga Babajide Lawal, chief executive officer of Consteng Limited, and president of Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has launched a Foundation.
This was part of activities to mark his 70th birthday. The event also provided an opportunity to launch his book titled ‘Instinctive Iman’ in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The event, which took place at the Oluwatoyin Lions Activity Centre, Ikorodu, Lagos attracted professionals from all walks of life.
The Septuagenarian, Fellow and Life Member of Nigerian Society of Engineers is a firm believer in the principle of Total Quality Management (TQM) and management by objective (M80) and planning.
Lewis Binitie-Cassidy, chairman of the occasion while speaking at the event, noted that from being a student of Civil Engineering, Lawal rose through the ranks in a challenging and inspiring career at one time or the other as the Chief Engineer, Site Ag Project Development Engineer before finally honourably in 1980 teamed up with fellow Nigerians to establish Moulds (Nig.) Limited, where he worked as the Pioneer Technical Director till the inception of Consteng Limited in 1982.
Binitie-Cassidy hailed Lawal’s tenacity and sense of excellence, noting that his exploits as a civil engineer is a testament to the indefatigable spirit of hard work and resilience common with Nigerians.
According to Binitie-Cassidy, “We are proud of all that you have achieved and the many more innovative ideas you are bringing to change Nigeria’s design and construction landscape. Achieving excellence in construction industry has never been an easy task, but HOB Lawal has redefined the practice with his expert handling of a lot of projects.”
“It is only with a rare mix of dedication and hard work that you have been able to manage a company like Consteng Limited, which employs and grooms Nigerian Engineers directly and indirectly,” Binitie-Cassidy further said.
Niyi Lawal, a member of the planning committee for the ceremony and the celebrant’s son, described his father as a very objective person and someone who always tries to attain perfection.
“Before the Foundation, my father had a history of helping the under-privileged people which is one of the objectives of the Lion Club which is about helping humanity. My father has taken it a step further by creating a foundation that will definitely outlive him,” he said.
On the book proper, the chairman noted that it was a book which serves as a guide to young engineers and for people who want to give back to society.
Lawal identifies with his roots through philanthropy and membership of ljebu Muslim College Old Students Association (IMCOSA) where he was a pioneer recipient of IMCOSA Merit Award and served as National President (1998 2001).
He is a past Chairman, Board of Governors of ljebu Muslim College. His service to his root is also manifested through his membership of ljebu-Ode Metropolitan Club where he was the first recipient of the Fellowship Award of Metropolitan Club (F MC) and served as the Lord Mayor (1991/92). He is the Chairman of the club’s business venture, Metro Arena Board of Director.
KELECHI EWUZIE
