By Tony Ezike
The Anambra State Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) recently hosted its 2024 Professional Summit and Investiture at Hilton Leisure Resort & Hotel, Awka, on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
The event, themed “The Need for Government of Anambra State to Take Proactive Measures to Eradicate the Incidents of Building Collapses in the State,” attracted a broad array of stakeholders from the building and construction sector, as well as government representatives and political leaders, all committed to transforming building practices in Anambra State and Nigeria.
The summit, addressing the ongoing issue of building collapses in Anambra, featured presentations from APBN’s diverse professional membership, encompassing fields such as Building, Architecture, Engineering, Town Planning, and Surveying. Key discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between government authorities and professional bodies to enhance the safety of structures across the state.
Anambra State Chairman of the Action People’s Party (APP), Hon. Chukwujiokem Okeke, performed the traditional kolanut-breaking ceremony and set a tone of urgency and solidarity. Hon. Okeke emphasized the need for synergy among building professionals, urging the Anambra State government to formally recognize APBN’s local chapter through legislation. Such recognition, he argued, would empower APBN to collaborate more effectively with government agencies to address the core issues causing building failures.
“Public and political interventions can only be impactful when citizens’ lives and properties are safeguarded from preventable building collapses,” Hon. Okeke asserted. He highlighted APP’s commitment under his administration to support initiatives aimed at eradicating building collapses in Anambra.
In his address, Hon. Okeke affirmed his support for the summit’s objectives, stressing APP’s dedication to policies and programs focused on comprehensive solutions. He called on the government to partner with professionals within APBN to create a collapse-free Anambra, noting that APBN’s seven built-environment professionals possess the expertise needed to enforce structural safety standards.
Summit discussions generated several recommendations, including the immediate domestication of the National Building Code, enhanced monitoring and enforcement of building regulations, and the adoption of advanced technologies for safer construction practices. Hon. Okeke advocated for the involvement of professionals at every stage of building projects to mitigate risks linked to substandard construction practices.
Furthermore, Hon. Okeke’s call for legislative recognition aligns with APBN’s goals of promoting policies that prioritize public safety and professional accountability. Legislative recognition would allow APBN to serve as an advisory body on construction standards, reinforcing the necessity for qualified supervision and adherence to regulatory standards in every building project across Anambra.
APBN President Ismaila Muhammdu Zakari ably represented by the National Secretary, Engr. Dr. Sunny Emeka Ali among other professionals reiterated their dedication to a zero-building-collapse goal for Anambra, while urging the new executive council members to commit to upholding the objectives and values of APBN and to work toward promoting the interests of all professional bodies in Anambra State. The event concluded with a renewed commitment among attendees to work towards a safer, more resilient Anambra through strong partnerships between the government and professional bodies.
Hon. Okeke congratulated Chief Sir Raph Nwike, the newly elected APBN Chairman, and the new executive team, encouraging them to collaborate closely with government agencies to address the alarming trend of building collapses. He expressed confidence that through these collaborative efforts, APBN and Anambra State authorities would set a benchmark for safety in building practices, ultimately safeguarding lives and minimizing the devastating impact of building collapses.
The 2024 APBN Professional Summit and Investiture marked a pivotal step towards sustainable development in Anambra. The resolutions and calls to action from the event pave the way for a more responsible construction industry, where the lives and properties of Anambra citizens are prioritized through skilled professionalism and proactive governance.
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