By Stella Odueme
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 in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to the mining industry.
The award, presented by the President of NSME, Dr Umar Hassan, was earlier announced at the society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Conference held in Lokoja, Kogi State, in late October 2026.
The formal presentation took place recently at the MCO Conference Room in Abuja.
Speaking while receiving the award, Nkom expressed appreciation to the NSME, describing the recognition as significant not only to him but also to the management and staff of the MCO.
According to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Henry David, on Monday, he emphasised that successful leadership was a collective effort, noting that the support and cooperation of his colleagues had made his leadership responsibilities easier and more successful.
"I can tell you with a very, very loud voice that I was not expecting this award, but it is going to have a very special place in my heart and honour," he said.
Nkom described the recognition as one he cherished and appreciated, assuring that the MCO would continue to contribute to society.
He also prayed for the continued growth and progress of the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers.
Presenting the award, Hassan said the recognition was in honour of Nkom's exemplary leadership and exceptional contributions to the NSME, mining and mineral processing engineering in Nigeria.
He expressed the society's gratitude for the MCO Director-General's continued support, adding that the award was approved by the Council of the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers.
The NSME president said he personally came to present the award to acknowledge Nkom's contributions and support for the professional body.