Architects charged on professionalism, as Imo State Chapter holds BGM, inaugurates Exco

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Members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects have been charged on core professionalism in discharging their duties.

This call was made by spokespersons at the just concluded Biennial General Meeting/Architects Summit 5.0 of the Imo State Chapter.

It held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the Graceland Estate Event Centre, Owerri, with the theme, “Sustainable Development Goals and Architectural Development”.

Chairman of the Occasion, Arc. Victor Onukwugha fnia, said, Architects may not fight government and other institutions, but it is their role to watch over designs in line with drawings in making sure that quality is sustained.

He pointed out that SDGs has become a fulcrum, buttressing, architectural practice should be sustained alongside Development Goals.

Onukwugha pinpointed the need for Imo NIA to improve on their membership strength by ensuring that greater number of Architects participate fully in activities of NIA.

In his words of advise, Arc. Onukwugha urged the State Exco to reach out to senior Architects who would in their individual abilities set up architectural firms in the State to enable more younger Professionals tap in the system.

Imo State NIA Chairman, Arc. Anthony Nnaemeka Ozoude FNIA, in his speech
disclosed that all the sub themes were carved out to harness the roles and architectural impacts in the society.

According to Ozoude, some of the achievements recorded in the past two years includes the fencing of part of their Secretariat, implementation of the Chapter programmes, commencement of a contributory welfare scheme for members,
Visitation of all the 3 schools of Architecture within Imo State and strategic support to them for successful accreditation of their programmes, interface with government agencies and Public enlightenment through world Architecture/ Habitat Day, etc, Active involvement in the activities of NIA national.

Other achievements were the elevation of 9 senior members to the rank of fellows of NIA as well as full membership registration of members.

In appreciation to all the supports from Senior Architects, Ozoude promised to take the institute to a greater height under his tenure, even as he was hopeful that the interface with Government authorities present at the occasion would accelerate robust development and growth.

Declaring the 2024 BGM open, the third National Vice President NIA, Arc. Ali Mukhtar FNIA, who represented the National President, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi Fnia, Pnia, called for unity in all the Chapters.

He affirmed their excitement with the Imo State Chapter for her peaceful composure and progress recorded in previous years.

The Keynote Speaker, Arc. Prof. Kelechi Ezeji Mnia in his sub theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Architecture for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria”, posited that AI can adequately guide Architects in the daily operation for optimum results.

Prof. Ezeji explained that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that enables computers to perform tasks that requires human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving perception, and decision-making.

Arc. Tpl Solomon Ayo-Odifiri Mnia while presenting his lecture on the topic, ” Climate Responsive Architectural Practices: Integrating Green Spaces into Urban Environment”, advised Architects to always stick to the local climate conditions, especially when handling jobs.

The third speaker, Arc. Dr. Chinwe Okpoechi Fnia, represented by Arc. Udo Marcel-Okafor beamed her lecture on Community engagement in architecture: Participatory design processes in addressing local needs and priorities in architectural projects.

The General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority, OCDA, Hon Frank Nkem Nzenwodo described architecture as a wonderful Profession that has to do with the use of brain work and energy.
He charged the Nigerian Institute of Architects to work towards fishing out the quacks in their midst before they ruin the NIA’s reputation, he also pledged a
collaboration among OCDA and Architects.

Rendering his goodwill message, the 27th President NIA, Arc. Festus Adibe Njoku Fnia, PPnia, admitted that all registered Architects have a seal, clarifying that once an architect designs, the clarity distinguishes it from fake ones.

However, Njoku concluded that the decline of interest by Students venturing into Architecture is alarming. To this end, he charged parents to support their wards into considering the Architectural courses as well as guiding them through till they are certified Professional Architects.

The Imo State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Bede Eke, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ugwumba Ifeyinwa Miriam confessed that there is no housing project that scales through in the Ministry without passing through the Architecture department.

She advocated for periodic training and retraining of members of NIA, even as she assured of the Ministry’s partnership.

Arc. Chief Amaugo Ugoji Fnai in his message described the Ministry of Housing as a parent body to Institute of Architects.

He beckoned on the government to be patronizing Architects, stressing that without such patronage, their years of study would be affected if there is no job for for them.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman Imo NIA 2024 BGM Planning Committee, Arc. Emmanuel A.I Kemakolam MNIA, ARCON, was elated for the hitch free professional exercise. He said the summit enabled them to contribute to the growth, performance and upliftment of the architectural profession, its wider envelopes, the building industry and the built environment.

Highlight of the occasion was the dissolution of old exco by the electoral committee and the swearing-in of the newly elected Executive conducted by the representative of the National President, NIA.

Also was issuance of Certificate of participation, unveiling of design competition amongst other programs.

The newly sworn-in Imo State NIA Executive are: Architects; Anthony Nnaemeka Ozoude FNIA (Chairman), Obinna Clinton Ogbokiri MNIA (Vice Chairman), Chinedu Iroegbulam MNIA (Secretary), Daberechi Samuel Mgbeke (Assistant Secretary), Remigius E. Muoghara MNIA (Financial Secretary), Chinwe G. Aneke (Welfare Officer), Obioma Agufuobi MNIA (Treasurer), Uchenna Eberendu MNIA (Internal Auditor), Chisom M. Akams MNIA (P.R.O), Obioma C. Amaefula MNIA (Ex Officio).