By Bill W. Cooper
The former Board member of the Engineering Society of Liberia (ESOL), Engineer David Wounuah has officially been inaugurated as the new President of the Engineering Society of Liberia (ESOL) in a momentous ceremony held at the Paynesville City Hall.
The event, held Friday night, February 15, 2025, was marked by a spirit of optimism and commitment to advancing engineering practices in Liberia, as Wounuah takes the reigns from Eng. Dadley Toe, following the end of his two-year tenure.
However, Eng. Toe was, on the same night, officially inaugurated as the new President of the West African Federation of Engineering Organizations (WAFEO), a great milestone for Liberia and all engineers in the country.
The inauguration ceremony, which was the climax of the ESOL 7th Annual Conference, was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from various engineering organizations, and academia, among others.
In attendance were the Engineering Society of Nigeria (FNSE), Engineering Society of Ghana (ESG), and Engineering Society of Sierra Leone (ESSL), underscoring the importance of engineering in national development and fostering innovation and collaboration among engineers.
The four-day ESOL 7th Annual Conference which kicked off on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, was held under the theme: “Innovative Engineering Solution For Sustainable Solutions in Liberia”.
The event featured a series of discussions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration among engineers and stakeholders in the region and discussing pressing issues in the engineering sector, with a focus on Liberia’s engineering deficit.
Engineers, during the conference further engage in discussions on policy recommendations, project implementation strategies, and the role of engineering in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his inaugural address, David Wounuah, a seasoned engineer with over 15 years of experience, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead ESOL, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration among engineers in Liberia to tackle the pressing challenges facing the country.
Mr. Wounuah, noted, “Today marks the beginning of a renewed journey—one that builds on the remarkable efforts of those who have served before us while embracing the opportunities of the future”.
“We assume this responsibility at a crucial time when engineering must take its rightful place in shaping Liberia’s progress, as we embark on this journey, my leadership will focus with pinpoint precision on what we have termed the 7 Thematic Areas/pillars.
This will strengthen the foundation of engineering in Liberia over the next two years, and these thematic areas are not just aspirations; they are action points that will define our tenure and bring about meaningful change,” he assured.
Mr. Wounuah’s pillars for a more robust ESOL include empowering Engineers and Engineering Institutions, strengthening Professional Standards and Ethics among Engineers, and promoting national development through engineering excellence, research, and innovation.
Others are Licensing and certification of engineers, improving operational efficiency, accountability, and the independence of ESOL, advocacy for public safety and promotion of STEM education and furtherance of early engineering career development.
Mr. Wounuah asserted, “To achieve these objectives, we shall very heavily rely on the commitment and increasing of our auxiliaries, sub societies and chapters. Wine, YPEL, SESs, SEEITIE and upcoming county Chapters, I shall lean on your shoulders.”
“Young Engineers and student engineers, roll out your sleeves; you have cried for greater involvement, and now greater involvement is at your door. I invite every engineer, stakeholder, and policymaker to join hands with us on this transformative journey.
Let us work together to build a society where engineering is at the forefront of national development, and set a precedent that future generations of engineers will look back on with pride; let us uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and service to humanity,” he added.
Meanwhile, as Mr Wounuah takes over the leadership of ESOL, Eng. Dadley Toe, the immediate past president, embarks on a new journey as the President of WAFEO. Toe’s election to this prestigious position is a testament to his dedication and contributions to the engineering community in Liberia and the West African region.
The West African Federation of Engineering Organizations (WAFEO) is a non-governmental organization that connects member engineering organizations in West Africa. WAFEO’s mission is to use engineering to achieve sustainable development in Africa.
WAFEO’s mission is to use engineering to achieve sustainable development in Africa, promote the use of best engineering practices, represent the engineering profession in Africa, develop engineering capacity in Africa, promote ethical behavior in engineering, and advance engineering science and practice.
In his farewell and inaugural address, Eng. Toe reflected on his tenure and the achievements made during his leadership, noting the importance of collaboration among engineering societies across West Africa, with a commitment to fostering regional cooperation in addressing common challenges.
He said, “Engineering is a universal language that transcends borders. So, as I step into this new role, I am excited about the opportunity to work with my counterparts across West Africa to promote best practices, share knowledge, and advocate for policies that benefit our communities.”
The WAFEO president, however, expressed his gratitude to all ESOL members, including the Board, for the confidence to have served them for the past two years, noting, “It was truly an honour to be your president as I end my tenure of years of progress and collaboration.”
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving ESOL with pride, and I am humbled by the little achievement we accomplished together. For me, this is an honour that I will forever cherish even at WAFEO.
And at WAFEO, I will focus on enhancing the capacity of engineering organizations in the region, promoting sustainable engineering practices, and advocating for the recognition of engineers as key players in national development,” Toe added.
Earlier in delivering the keynote address, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company Board Chairman, Aaron J. Wheagar, delivered a powerful address emphasizing the critical role of engineers in nation-building.
He said, “Engineers are the architects of our future. Your work is not just about constructing buildings or roads; it is about creating a sustainable future for our children and generations to come.”
He further highlighted the importance of engineering in addressing the myriad challenges facing Liberia, including inadequate infrastructure, energy shortages, and environmental sustainability, adding, “As you take on these new roles, remember that your contributions can change lives and transform communities.”
Meanwhile, the conference and inaugural night were sponsored by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), Road Safety Action International (RSAI) and WILKINS Engineering.
