Ugar Ukandi Odey, Jos
The Nigerian Institute of Architects has elected a new Executive to take charge of its affairs and chart a new trajectory for the professional organization.
In the new arrangements, Arc Enyi Ben-Eboh, fnia, having been elected, was inaugurated as the body’s 29th President, to succeed Arc Sonny S T Echono who held away during its recently ended turbulent times.
Other officers elected into the NIA Executive Council by its members in Nigeria and other parts of the world include Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, fnia, 1st Vice President, Arc. Sani Ithisham Saulawa, fnia, 2nd Vice President, Arc. Chioma Wogu-Ogbonna, fnia, 3rd Vice President, Arc. Ibeanu Chike Chamberlain, fnia, Honorary General Secretary, and Arc. Ali Mukhtar, fnia, Treasurer.
Enyi Ben-Eboh in his inugural speech noted that before the last two years, the Architecture profession had gone through a four-year period of internal strife, and reassured all members of the Institute that his administration will continue in the path of reconciliation as initiated by his predecessor.
He further assured that in the first quarter of 2022, an all-encompassing retreat will be convened to not only examine new strategies to reposition the NIA, but provide a platform to bring to a closure all contentious issues within the Architecture family in Nigeria.
He also promised to rebrand the Institute for sustainable growth, development, and national relevance.
The NIA President promised to collaborate with international sister organizations in the areas of capacity building, knowledge sharing, and technological transfer, pledging to collaborate with other building and environment professions to develop the nation’s construction industry as was initiated during the last Archibuilt Expo held in October this year.
Highlights of the 61st Annual General Meeting themed “Smart Architecture: Exploring New Frontiers in Architectural Practice”, included paper presentations which dwelt on global trends in Architecture, afrocenterism/ Culture-sensitive Architecture, as well as new techniques in Urban Design for African cities.
In his address the Special Guest of Honour at the occassion, former governor of Cross River State, HE Senator Liyel Imoke, commended the unique process through which the Institute chose its leaders. He extolled the virtues of the new President who served under his administration as the Managing Director of the state-owned special purpose vehicle for housing delivery, and expects that he would apply same diligence in his new assignment as NIA President.
The event also witnessed the conferment of Awards on past Presidents of the Institute as well as a posthumous Award of Excellence conferred on one of Nigeria’s foremost Architects in the person of Chief Isaac Folayan Alade, OFR, fnia, who passed on June 19, 2021. The posthumous Award was received on behalf of the family by his daughter, Arc. Yinka Williams.
Guests were treated to a full cultural display by a Cultural troop from Cross Rivers State.
