The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nocaco Nigeria Limited, Dr. Tunde Orija, says that Nigeria’s development cannot be achieved without prioritizing industrialization.
Dr. Orija stated this in Kaduna when he was honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Kaduna Chapter of the National Association of Technology of Engineering (NATE).
According to him, industries remain the backbone of any economy and Nigeria risks economic collapse if the industrial sector is neglected.
“Industries are the mainstream that drive the economy of every country. Without industries, the economy will crumble because they drive the workforce and employ hundreds of thousands of people, both directly and indirectly,” he said.
Dr. Orija noted that industrialization is also essential for infrastructural development, including housing and other sectors of the economy.
“You need industries to galvanize development. They are the real production arm of the economy and add value in whatever we do. Industries are a critical part of the value chain in creating the wealth of any country,” he added.
He emphasized that most developed countries achieved economic prosperity through industrialization, stressing that Nigeria must follow the same path to attain sustainable growth.
Speaking on the survival and resilience of Nocaco Nigeria Limited despite Nigeria’s challenging business environment, Dr. Orija attributed the success of the company to a solid team, committed workers, loyal customers, and a strong leadership structure.
“We have dedicated stakeholders both locally and internationally, as well as a vibrant board that drives the company’s vision. Despite the microeconomic challenges and declining purchasing power, we continue to work around the circumstances to remain relevant in the market,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the National Association of Technology for Engineers (NATE), Engineer John Audu, emphasized the association’s commitment to practical skills and value addition rather than mere possession of certificates.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Kaduna, Engineer Audu stressed that NATE was established to promote professionalism and technical excellence in the engineering field, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
He appealed to the Managing Director of Nocaco Nigeria Limited, Dr. Tunde Orija, to recognize and give priority to NATE-certified engineers and technologists in the company’s employment structure.
According to him, it is crucial for all engineering professionals to be duly registered and certified, warning that failure to do so could pose challenges in the industry.
Audu further explained that NATE’s primary objective is to certify and validate the skills and competence of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians and engineers.
He noted that the association is committed to promoting industry excellence through training, education, and the provision of resources to its members and the engineering sector at large.
“NATE certification is recognized across the industry as a mark of excellence for HVAC technicians and engineers. Our goal is to ensure that the workforce meets the required standards in the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems,” Audu stated.
COV: Adamu Yusuf
