By Abubakar Yunusa
Engineers and Nigerians have been advised to prioritise ethical behaviour in both their professional duties and public life.
Engr Ikenna Okonkwo, gave the charge during a lecture on Ethical Conduct in Public Places at the
Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE),
September 2025 general meeting in Abuja.
Okonkwo said ethics remained the foundation of social acceptance, adding that individuals and professionals must conduct themselves in ways that reflect integrity and responsibility.
“Ethics is everything. How far you can go and how acceptable you are in society depends on how you behave,” he said.
He explained that engineers, given their involvement in construction, mechanical work, transportation, and even politics, play a crucial role in shaping public spaces and must therefore lead by example.
“Tomorrow, you could become a senator or a member of the House of Representatives. Your behaviour in such roles should reflect the ethical values you uphold,” Okonkwo noted.
According to him, the lecture was aimed at encouraging self-evaluation and personal growth, as well as improving public conduct in various environments, including workplaces, religious centres, and recreational spaces.
“The essence of this discussion is to help us re-examine ourselves, do soul-searching, and improve on areas where we may have fallen short,” he added.
He stressed that applying ethical principles consistently — whether at home, in offices, or in public — would foster a more responsible and respectable society.
