Eighteen Nigerian engineers have been officially certified as Senior Green Design Engineers by the World Green Design Organization (WGDO) in Shanghai, China, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s engineering and sustainability sectors. Among the recipients is Engr. Mohammed Kabir Wanori, FNSE, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA). His exceptional contributions to green development in Borno State and beyond have earned him this esteemed international recognition.
The certification was presented during the World Green Design Conference hosted by the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) in Shanghai. The recognition celebrates professionals who have demonstrated excellence in applying sustainable design principles to real-world challenges. Engr. Wanori’s selection underscores his leadership in integrating green engineering with digital innovation to drive digital transformation in Borno State and across Nigeria.
Having previously served as Borno State’s Commissioner for Environment from 2019 to 2022, Engr. Wanori was instrumental in advancing the state’s environmental reform agenda under the leadership of Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. During his tenure, he reintroduced the long-abandoned State Environmental Sanitation Exercise, which had been inactive for over thirty years. This initiative revitalized public hygiene and urban cleanliness in Maiduguri, reestablishing community ownership of environmental stewardship through the creation of the Borno Environmental Protection Volunteers and the launch of the “Zulum Go Green” campaign.
In his role as Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Engr. Wanori led the planning and execution of critical green infrastructure projects in local government areas such as Konduga, Magumeri, Askira-Uba, and Kaga. These projects aligned closely with the National Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative and addressed key issues such as desertification, land degradation, and climate change. His work created sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities and served as a textbook example of grassroots-level green design in action.
Speaking after the award ceremony in Shanghai, Engr. Wanori expressed gratitude to the World Green Design Organization for the recognition and praised their ongoing global efforts in promoting sustainable design practices. He also acknowledged the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) under the leadership of its President, Engr. Margret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, for nominating him as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and WGDO conferences.
“This international recognition is not just a personal achievement; it’s a validation of the forward-thinking leadership of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum and our collective commitment to sustainable development,” Engr. Wanori stated. “Our initiatives, from reintroducing sanitation to implementing green projects in various local governments and beyond, are tangible expressions of green design. This award inspires us to do even more, using technology to accelerate our green transformation.”
He dedicated the award to the Borno State Government, emphasizing that the success of green design initiatives in the state has been made possible through the government’s strong support for sustainability and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, President of the NSE, congratulated the entire Nigerian delegation and highlighted the global significance of the recognition.
“The recognition of eighteen Nigerian engineers by the World Green Design Organization reflects the high standards and growing global influence of Nigerian engineering professionals,” she said. “Engr. Wanori’s achievement, in particular, is a shining example of how engineering can be used as a force for sustainable development. The NSE is proud to support engineers who are advancing green innovation and representing Nigeria on the world stage.”
The certification of Engr. Wanori among eighteen Nigerian engineers as a World Green Design Senior Engineer positions him as a leading voice in green engineering powered by information and communication technology in Nigeria. His work demonstrates how local innovation, backed by international standards, can effectively address environmental challenges while contributing to global sustainability goals.
As one of the eighteen Nigerian engineers honored in China, Engr. Wanori’s recognition stands as a proud moment for Borno State and Nigeria at large. It reflects how local expertise, guided by vision, innovation, and integrity, can achieve global excellence in green technology and environmental engineering. This milestone also strengthens Nigeria’s position in the international green economy and reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable development through engineering and digital transformation.