… Advocates Diligence Among Young Architects
By JoyceRemi-Babayeju
Director, Public Building, at the Federal Capital Development Administration . Arc. Bature Tagwai was conferred with the prestigious Award of a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA).
Tagwai described architecture as a demanding profession that requires hard work and meticulous attention.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCDA Director advised young professionals to focus on self-driven education and global awareness.
He also challenged young Nigerian architects to focus on diligence, thoroughness, and continuous self-improvement as the cornerstone for a successful career.
Arc. Tagwai stressed that architecture demands a high level of personal commitment with zero tolerance for laxity.
“Architecture does not condone laziness. You have to be prompt, you have to be decisive, and you have to be diligent in whatever design situation you may find yourself. Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” he said.
“Architecture is a course whereby you don’t wait for people to teach you; you teach yourself. You try to upgrade your capacity.”
“Architects must strive to know what is happening in the modern built environment across the world like in Dubai, China and others.
“This implies a continuous self-education to enhance performance in the use of building materials—like roofing materials, curtain walls, and painting—where innovation is constant.
“In so doing you’ll be successful depending on the opportunity or privileged opportunity that comes your way.,” he said.
Speaking on his conferment as a fellow of FNIA, Tagwai described it as a product of merit, recalling how he won two major prizes while studying at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
He recalled that one of his awards was for the best architectural contribution in traditional Nigerian architecture, noting that his master’s thesis focused on the Gbagi traditional architectural concept with a case study of Abuja.
He thanked the Nigerian Institute of Architects for his conferment as a fellow. “I think it’s out of merit,” Tagwai said.
He expressed gratitude and pledged to utilize his remaining time in government to showcase his experience and contribute to the younger generation.
Arc. Tagwai said that his experience working under the FCT Minister Barr. Nysome Wike is “strictly official” but a “special privilege.”
He commended the minister for confirming his elevation to the position of director, and for appreciating his hard work and commitment, which he said had resulted in a visible and rapid transformation of the Abuja landscape.
“I am a lucky privileged gentleman because I get so excited to work with somebody who appreciates hard work, who appreciate human feelings.”
“You will all agree with me that the Abuja landscape have changed. He has brought so much differences.”
“Barr. Nysome Wike has enhanced so many avenues for people to engage themselves in economic activities. Abuja has been transformed within just two years and few months.”
“He have created enabling environment for practicing architects, be it in private sector or public service.”
“Everybody seems to have that sense of belonging in built environment. Not just only the architect, the engineer, the quantity surveyor, town planners, everybody seems to be excited about how Abuja is been transformed,” he said.
Arc.Tagwai started his public service career started with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1992, where he rose through the ranks to Deputy Director before his recent elevation and confirmation as the Director of Public Building by the FCT Minister.
End
–
