By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS) has conferred fellowship awards on distinguished Nigerians, including the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Member, House of Representatives, Keffi–Karu Constituency, and Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, during its 40th Annual Conference and General Meeting, tagged “Abuja Hybrid 2025.”
The NMS, established in 1978, is the foremost professional body for metallurgical engineers, metallurgists, materials scientists, and allied professionals committed to advancing the science and technology of metallic and non-metallic materials in Nigeria.
At the grand finale and fellowship award night held in Abuja, the NMS honoured ten eminent personalities who have made significant contributions to national development and the metallurgical sector. Among the awardees were Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdul Salam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ajaokuta Steel Company; Engr. Valerie Ifueko Agberagba; Engr. Nicholas Agbese Agbo; Prof. Ugheoke Benjamin Iyenagbe, Director of Academic Planning, Edo State University, Iyamho; Obasi Ettu of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja; Engr. Reuben Zakari Kabantiyok of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Kaduna; and Engr. Omoyemi Ololade Ola-Omole of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
In his opening address, the National President of NMS, Engr. Dr. F. M. Achiv, welcomed participants to the 40th conference, describing it as a milestone event in the history of the society. He noted that the evening was divided into two major categories, the induction of new members and the conferment of honorary and professional fellowship awards.
According to Dr. Achiv, twenty-eight new members were inducted, while six received professional fellowships, three were conferred with fellowship awards, and one individual was honoured with a meritorious service award. He explained that the recipients were carefully selected based on their sacrifices, outstanding contributions, and participation in both national development and the activities of the society.
He said, “The executive council took time to deliberate on the credentials of all the awardees, considering their impact across industry, academia, government, and policy formulation. Their efforts have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial advancement.”
Highlighting the theme of the conference, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Mineral Resources: Exploration, Extraction, and Value Addition,” the NMS President described it as timely and relevant, adding that the papers presented by keynote speakers, technical experts, and invited guests addressed critical issues shaping the nation’s metallurgical and materials engineering sectors.
Dr. Achiv further reminded the awardees that their new fellowship status comes with responsibilities, including active participation in the society’s programmes, payment of dues, and continued contribution to the growth of the metallurgical profession in Nigeria.
He congratulated the newly inducted fellows, urging them to remain committed ambassadors of the society. “It is your duty and responsibility to identify with the NMS through active engagement, meaningful contributions, and support for the society’s goals and objectives,” he stated.
The 40th NMS conference brought together engineers, academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for harnessing Nigeria’s vast mineral resources for sustainable economic development.