Words By –  Jemi Ekunkunbor | Photos By Akeem Salau

Lee Engineering, an indigenous engineering and construction company in the Nigeria Oil, Gas and Power industry, celebrated 33 years on Tuesday in Lagos. Chairman of Lee Engineering, Dr. Leemon Ikpea (CON), led staff, partners, and associates to an intimate celebration at Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed “Celebrating 33 years of Excellence: Embracing Our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future” what began like the proverbial biblical mustard seed in a 40-feet container in Warri has grown into the current powerhouse known as Lee Engineering, with offices firmly established in three continents and four countries.

Armed with a clear vision “to be a top-class firm engaged in engineering construction, energy, and infrastructural development projects,” Lee Engineering was born on November 11, 1991, with a handful of staff made up of Engr. Tony Ikpea, who joined his brother, and later, a secretary and two other field personnel.

Leading in thanksgiving unto God, Father Francis Ike, in the opening prayer, thanked God for the countless blessings on Lee Engineering and for granting wisdom to the organisation to provide solutions where there is a problem.

In his welcome address, Chairman Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited, Dr. Leemon A. Ikpea (CON), took guests down memory lane to his humble beginning, which started in a 40-feet container. Filled with pride and gratitude for the company’s achievement, he attributed his blessings to God “whose steadfast love never ceases, they are new every morning.”

He also acknowledged the dedication and support from partners, whose contributions have led to the phenomenal growth the company has experienced.

He enjoined members of staff to embrace the challenges ahead, saying, “33 is a stepping stone to the future.”

Speaking on “Corporate Governance Principles and Succession in Family Businesses,”
Founder of Centre for Value in Leadership, CVL, Professor Pat Utomi blamed the lack of proper succession planning on why many Nigerian businesses don’t make it to the 2nd or 3rd generation.

Alluding to the 40-feet container, he said the image of that container should be kept in view because of what it represents for all.
He said the new generation often squanders what the first generation built because they were not allowed the opportunity to be trained and exposed to the rugged business terrain. Other factors include the “one black sheep phenomenon” as well as the branches of polygamy.

He said for any business to be properly governed and to survive into generations, culture has to be structured and institutionalised, as this will keep the venture healthy, able to adapt to change, and determining how created value is distributed among stakeholders.

He added that the role of non-family members must be determined in the governance and management of any enterprise. He pointed out that the power play between family members, what he described as “Concentric Circles of Conspiracies,” can be avoided by outsourcing management of family wealth to professionals.

He said business owners must be intentional in preparing the next generation, which they can do by deliberately planning and starting early with career mapping, training, as well as balancing between capacity and tradition.
He concluded by saying that while aptitude training is necessary for growing people, preparing children to dominate the next generation, business owners will need to go beyond aptitude to include both emotional and cultural intelligence.

Encomiums poured in for Dr. Ikpea, a visionary leader who already is implementing some of the core ideals expounded by Professor Pat Utomi.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by Engr. Umar Gwandu,
described Lee Engineering as one local content provider making Nigerians proud. While charging them to brace up for the challenges ahead, he announced that the government will give projects to local companies to execute, adding that “government will support companies with capacity and competence.”

President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, praised Lee Engineering for its resilience and commitment to hard work that has brought about a remarkable impact in local content development. She added that what Lee Engineering has done is setting a precedence for others to follow.

Managing Director, Solar Turbines Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Williams commended Lee Engineering company for the team spirit, saying it has been a pleasure working with them, and adding that he looks forward to an exciting future.

Awards

The celebration was not without recognition for the men and women who helped to enshrine the core values of integrity, respect, safety, teamwork, innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction on which Lee Engineering was built.

Awards were given in two categories: Long Service Awards (20-30 years) and Performance Awards. Some special guests were also bestowed with recognition awards in appreciation of their support for the project called Lee Engineering.

The celebration was not without entertainment, as it was spiced with musical performances by the four-man classical band – Quartet, who set the tone for an enjoyable anniversary celebration. There was also a cultural medley by Wisdom and wise cracks by Standup comedian, MC Smart.

The event was brought to a close with prayers offered by  daughter of Dr. Leemon Ikpea, Kassandra Ehis Haynes.

CATEGORY A – LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Becky Elijah
Anthony Ikpea
Austine Azeke
Joseph Ikpea
Kingsley Iworah
Uche Omamah
Julius Okpighe
Samuel Onyero
Moses Eze
Sunday Owuru
Bulus Dachung
Victoria Iyeh
John Uwali
Omoh Prince  Ikhekhide  
Amedu Kadiri
 Margaret Ugbo
Nephisat Emmanuella Mahmud
Okogbenin Sylvester Igbigbe
Emmanuel Ehiabhi Oteh

MERIT AWARDS

Benedict Ebalukhota
Olanrewaju Sule
Solomon Aligbe
Rosaline Itam
Michael Imoniose
Ozah Onosetale
Emuophedaro Oghenero
Alfred Obire
Segun Balogun
Felix Omobhude
Osere Damian Ukachukwu
 John Barrack
Ayomanor Akporhuarho
Manager,
Irhivben  Godfrey Okpolopo
Dr. Giuseppe Paone

More photos from the event: