…… As New EXCO Emerges at Handover Ceremony, End-of-Year Get-Together
By Tony Ezike
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Anambra State Chapter, has unveiled a new set of state executives during its official handover ceremony and end-of-year get-together, with the newly elected Chairman, Bldr Ikenna Okpala, pledging to deepen the institute’s visibility, strengthen professional engagement, and address critical challenges confronting the building profession.
The event, which marked the formal transition from the outgoing executive committee to the new leadership, attracted seasoned professionals, industry stakeholders, and leaders in the built environment across Anambra State, with representatives of the institute’s national leadership in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Bldr Dr Mica Obiegbu, reflected on the humble beginnings of the Anambra State Chapter, noting that it started in the late 1980s with just five members before the creation of Anambra State in 1991. He recalled converting his personal office into the first NIOB office in the state and serving in national leadership for 23 years, including as NIOB President from 2003 to 2005.
Bldr Obiegbu thanked God for the steady growth of the institute over the years, highlighting that the building profession was formally recognized by the Federal Government in 1979 as the seventh recognized profession in the construction industry, while the first building department in Nigeria was established in 1970 at Ahmadu Bello University. He charged the new leadership to “hit the ground running” and build on the solid foundations already laid.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing Chairman, Bldr Kingsley Obiora Nweke, attributed the progress recorded by the Anambra State Chapter to the visionary groundwork laid by founding fathers, particularly Bldr Obiegbu. He wished the incoming Chairman and his executive team a successful and impactful tenure.
The announcement of the new executive committee, led by Bldr Ikenna Okpala, was made by the Secretary of the Electoral Committee and First National Vice Chairman, South-East & South-South, Builders in Private Practice, Bldr Chijioke Okeke, who described Bldr Dr Mica Obiegbu as a “deity of the building profession” in recognition of his enduring contributions.
In appreciation of his immense service to the institute, Bldr Obiegbu received two awards of excellence, one from the NIOB National Office and another award of appreciation from the Anambra State Chapter, presented by the outgoing Chairman.
Addressing the newly inaugurated executives, Bldr Chijioke Okeke urged them to engage constructively with stakeholders, policymakers, and political leaders to advance the interests of the profession and promote best practices in the building industry.
In his acceptance speech, Bldr Ikenna Okpala, speaking on behalf of the new executive committee, expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the occasion, members of the electoral committee, and the immediate past executive for their landmark achievements.
He pledged that his administration would be more visible across Anambra State and committed to surpassing the achievements of previous administrations.
Bldr Okpala disclosed plans to enhance members’ income by actively involving professional builders in the supply and handling of building materials, explaining that the initiative would not only improve earnings but also ensure that clients receive quality materials and standard services from trained professionals rather than unqualified vendors.
He further revealed plans to bridge existing gaps between builders, policymakers, and sister professional bodies to foster synergy, clarity of purpose, and improved delivery of safe and adequate housing for the benefit of society.
Prominent members and stakeholders at the event included Bldr Dr Mica Obiegbu, Bldr Sir E.U. Okoye, Bldr Kenneth Nduka, Bldr Chijioke Okeke, Bldr Kingsley Obiora Nweke, Bldr Chidozie Ezenwata, Engr. Ngozi Okelekwu, Bldr Chiamaka Obiora, and Arc. Dr. Ezennia, among others.
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