The President-in-Council, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, has described leadership as a call to service rooted in humility, responsibility and a shared sense of purpose, rather than power or personal recognition.
She stated this during the public presentation of the book: “Grace-Filled Footprints: A Chronicle of the Exploits of Margaret Oguntala, NSE Presidency 2024–2025”, a book that documents her presidency, held virtually via Zoom.
Mrs. Oguntala said the publication was not meant to celebrate an individual, but to reflect a collective journey of service within the engineering profession.
According to her, the book tells the story of leadership shaped by collaboration, integrity and commitment, carried out alongside engineers across Nigeria and in the diaspora.
She explained that the title, Grace-Filled Footprints, symbolises the strength to lead with grace, listen with empathy, endure challenges and remain focused on service to society.
Mrs. Oguntala noted that leadership always leaves an imprint, stressing that her administration was deliberate about ensuring those footprints reflected inclusion, ethical conduct, innovation and tangible contributions to national development.
She said her presidency prioritized rebuilding trust in the institution, strengthening the relevance of the engineering profession and positioning engineers as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic and technological growth.
According to her, the achievements recorded during her tenure were the result of shared effort, acknowledging the steady contributions of council members, fellows, branch leaders and engineers nationwide.
Describing the book as a tribute to shared leadership, Mrs. Oguntala said its central message is that lasting impact is built through collaboration, trust and service beyond self, urging future leaders to uphold these values.
In his goodwill message, President-elect, Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Alhaji Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, said the book would serve as a leadership guide for future administrations, beginning with his own.
He praised Oguntala’s integrity and transparent management of the Society, describing her tenure as a solid foundation for continuity.
Providing an overview of the publication, Mr. Alex Adekunle described the 244-page book as both a leadership blueprint and an important historical record, offering lessons for engineers, policymakers and future leaders on what can be achieved when vision is matched with preparation and guided by purpose.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen