By Michael Nnebife
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Anambra State Chapter, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban regeneration initiative.
The Institute gave the commendation during its 2024 Annual Conference, with the Theme; ”Towards a Livable and Sustainable Urban City: Role of Professionals in Planning and Construction”, held at Oba D.A. Nwandu Architectural Research Centre, Department of Architecture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, October 11.
They argued that the ongoing tree planting initiative across the three major cities in Anambra, Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, to make the state clean and green and other huge projects like the ongoing construction of Ekwulobia Flyover, construction of fun city in Awka and the rehabilitation of Okpoko Slum in Ogbaru Council Area, mass employment in all sectors and the One Youth, Two Skills Acquisition Programme, would remain the major unforgettable achievements of Governor Soludo in Anambra State
The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Very Rev. Fr. Arc. Prof. Peter Chukwuemeka Agbonome, while declaring the event open, challenged young and old architects in the state to portray the spirit of sportsmanship, hard work, enthusiasm and dedication in their profession, noting that working cooperatively with others within the engineering world remain the major way to curb quackery, incidences of building collapse and efficiency.
Soludo who was represented by the State Commissioner for Housing and Infrastructure, Hon Pauly Onyeka, also urged them to be creative and diverse-oriented architects, move beyond designing and building, and develop entrepreneurial master plan and the integrity to strengthen the reputation and values of the profession in line with the governor’s vision of making Anambra a livable, clean, green and prosperous state in Nigeria.
The Anambra Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc Dr. Ikenna Michael Onuorah, in his address, said the conference would be helpful in repositioning the chapter and equipping the teeming young architects with the right knowledge for more effective performance.
He called on the governor to consider the establishment of “Artisan Guild” to pave room for training and re-training of the artisan, especially, the building labourers, popularly known as mason-men, carpenters, fitters, among other, saying that they contributed to the totality of any construction work in society.
Earlier in his keynote address, the guest speaker of the event, Arc Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, whose lecture centered on the theme of the conference, urged the Anambra State Government to collaborate with the professional bodies and other critical stakeholders to deliver the most livable and sustainable cities in Nigeria and Africa at large.
According to him, the Anambra architects, urban planners, engineers, environmental scientists, and other built environment professionals, should be challenged to see to the realization of a livable and sustainable cities of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi in the state.
‘Livable and sustainable urban cities are designed and developed with the primary intention of providing high quality of life for habitants while minimizing the negative impacts on the environment.
‘They are designed for resilience and prioritize the well-being of residents, providing for access to clean air and water, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and recreational spaces.
‘I recommend we start identifying our talents and begin the process of harnessing these capabilities as a key element of the Soludo Solution to the improvement of our urban spaces,’ the speaker stated
The Executive Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), Barr Chike Maduekwe, who also spoke, urged the Architects to sustain a stronger synergy with other professionals in order to achieve their set goals.
Maduekwe used the event to warn residents against passing the night in any building in the state undergoing construction.
He noted that the warnings were part of the Anambra Government’s directive to mitigate building collapse in the state.
The Managing Director Anambra Bureau of Public Procurement who is also the Anambra State Council member of the Architects Registration Council, lauded Governor Soludo’s developmental strides and charged Architects to live up to expectations.
The conference also featured cash gifts to three Nnamdi Azikiwe University Architecture Students; Emmanuel Ogbuagu; Ikechukwu Oli Emmanuel and Chinwendu Mgburuchi Emmanuel, for winning the NIA Students Design Competition on the topic, ”a model market for Anambra State as sponsored by Arc. Charles Egbudom.
Award presentation to some deserving members of society for their various contributions to the development of Architecture in Anambra State were made. The awardees included; the State Commissioner for Housing and Infrastructure, Hon Pauly Onyeka; the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon Ossy Onuko; Don Ameachi Ifejika, the Guest Speaker, Arc Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, among others.
