Calls on State Government to Institutionalise Professional Input
Citypost News Desk
A prominent member of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and National Vice Chairman, Builders in Private Practice, South-East & South-South, Bldr. Chijioke Okeke, has called for greater recognition and engagement of professional builders in Anambra State’s building and construction ecosystem.
Okeke made the call while speaking to a Citypost correspondent shortly after the handover ceremony to newly elected executives of the Anambra State Chapter of NIOB and the End-of-Year Get-Together, held at the Mr. Chukwuemeka Oranika Conference Room, Federal Government Secretariat, Awka.
According to him, it is impossible to discuss the Anambra building environment without acknowledging the critical role of practicing builders, whom he described as “process administrators trained in building acquisition and management.”
“Builders are central to policy information dissemination, sustainability of buildings and even green building initiatives. In these areas, the Nigerian Institute of Building has performed very well,” Okeke stated.
He described NIOB as a foremost crusader against building failures, noting that building collapse not only claims lives but also destroys professional expertise, drains financial resources and wastes valuable time.
“NIOB has continued to embark on sensitisation crusades and professional trainings aimed at curtailing building collapses. These efforts are crucial to safeguarding lives and property,” he added.
While congratulating the newly elected state executives led by Bldr. Ikenna Okpala, Okeke urged them to strike a balance between internal administration and external engagement.
“I advise the new leadership to dedicate about 70 per cent of their time to managing and strengthening NIOB, and 30 per cent to interfacing with policymakers. A cordial relationship with government is necessary for effective partnership,” he said.
The NIOB chieftain also used the occasion to appeal to the Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to deliberately recruit and deploy qualified builders to key policy and decision-making agencies within the state.
He listed agencies such as the Anambra State Housing Corporation, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, and the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, stressing that builders are “masters of execution” in matters relating to building acquisition, approvals and management.
“When trained builders are appointed, especially into positions where decisions on public building projects and approvals are taken, there will be significant changes. Proper supervision and professional input will help forestall avoidable loss of lives and property,” Okeke noted.
He emphasized that the engagement of qualified building professionals across relevant agencies would enhance standards, improve compliance and strengthen public confidence in the state’s construction sector.
The event attracted several prominent professionals and stakeholders in the built environment, including Bldr. Dr. Micah Obiegbu, Bldr. Sir E.U. Okoye, Bldr. Kenneth Nduka, Bldr. Kingsley Obiora Nweke, Bldr. Chidozie Ezenwata, Engr. Ngozi Okelekwu, Bldr. Chiamaka Obiora, and Arc. Dr. Ezennia, among others.
