The Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers (NSME) has honoured the Director- General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Simon Obadiah Nkom, with its Silver Jubilee Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award, presented by NSME President, Dr. Umar Hassan, was formally handed to Engr. Nkom at the MCO conference room in Abuja.
It was earlier announced during the society’s Annual General Meeting and Annual Conference held in Lokoja, Kogi State, in late October.
Engr. Nkom was recognised for his exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to the NSME, mining and mineral processing engineering, as well as the broader mining industry in Nigeria.
Receiving the award, the MCO Director-General described the recognition as deeply meaningful, saying it belonged not only to him but also to the entire management and staff of the Cadastre Office.
“It means a lot to me, and not just to me, but to the entire management and staff of MCO,” he said.
Engr. Nkom emphasised the importance of teamwork in leadership, noting that the support of his colleagues had been critical to his success.
“Leadership is not by one person. Once you don’t have co-leadership, then you are not leading anyone. It is the support from my colleagues that makes life and leadership much easier and successful for me,” he said.
The MCO chief said he was surprised by the honour and promised that the recognition would occupy a special place in his heart.
“I was not expecting this award, but it is going to have a very special place in my heart and in my honour. This is something I cherish and appreciate,” he said.
He further pledged the continued support of the MCO to the mining profession and society, while praying for the sustained growth and progress of the NSME.
Presenting the award, Dr. Hassan said Engr. Nkom was being honoured for his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the NSME, mining and mineral processing engineering in Nigeria.
He expressed the society’s appreciation for the Director-General’s support, describing it as invaluable to the growth and development of the organisation.
Dr. Hassan added that the award was presented in accordance with the approval of the Council of the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers.
