…Seeks Unity, Discipline among Members for Positive Development
By Jude Atupulazi
The Anambra State Housing Commissioner, Hon. Pauly Onyeka has charged the members of the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Architects to direct their activities towards transforming the environment by remaining united within the building sector for better development of the state.
The Commissioner, who was honored during the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIASSC)’s Annual Conference at Oba Daniel Nwandu Architectural Research Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, noted that as professionals, they must conduct themselves in good manner, especially during interface with other building professionals to avert problems in the construction industry.
‘l think the piece of advice that l will give to you today is that as architects, from the outset, try and do what anyone wants you to do in terms of design by getting everything well packaged before you take it to the site for implementation,’ Onyeka said.
He advised them to also pay attention to environmental architecture as they did in building architecture, adding further that they should key into Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s transformation agenda with his urban regeneration for a livable and prosperous smart mega city for ndi Anambra.
‘Most architects are more interested in the building infrastructure. As per building, they pay little attention to environmental architecture. You should come up with designs that will impact greatly on the aesthetic value of our state and show it to those in government for possible adoption. I think that is the kind of thing I want you to be doing for the state,’ he stressed.
Hon. Onyeka called on the leaders of the institution to enforce the tenets of discipline among the members to sway off disunity in the profession, warning that arrogance would take a lot of good things away from them and bar them from taking advice. He said this was dangerous.
He expressed appreciation to the institution for honouring him, noting that it was an indication of the Ministry’s positive impact in the state, as well as a litmus test on what he described as the wonderful and exponential achievements of Gov Soludo.
The Commissioner however declared his love for the architectural profession and pledged to always support the association’s activities whenever the need arose.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the State Chairman of NIASSC, Arc. Ikenna Onuorah, welcomed all the attendees, saying that this year’s theme: ”Towards a Livable and Sustainable Urban City: Role of Professionalism in Planning and Construction”, was in line with Gov Soludo’s desire to address environmental problems facing the cities with more emphasis on the challenges of professionalism.
He said that according to the United Nations Environmental Programme, (UNEP) reports, a city must provide high quality of life for its residents and such cities should possess effective transportation system, green space and urban parks, sustainable housing and infrastructure, access to essential services like hospitals, among others.
Other dignitaries that graced the event included the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Carol Umobi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof Agbonome; State Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineering, Prof Akolisa Ezeagu; Chairman, Institute of Surveyors, Anambra Chapter, Surv. Gabriel Okeke, with the President General, Umunnakwu Community, Arc. Augustine Aniegbuna; and the Executive Chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barr. Chike Maduekwe, among others.
