By Chijioke Chijioke
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has inaugurated Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh fnia as its 29th President. Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh fnia succeeds Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono fnia who marshaled the affairs of the Institute in the last two years during which period its fortunes witnessed a steady re birth after years of internal discord in the profession.
Other officers elected into the NIA Executive Council by its members in Nigeria and other parts of the world include Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi fnia 1st Vice President, Arc. Sani Ithisham Saulawa fnia 2nd Vice President, Arc. Chioma Wogu-Ogbonna fnia 3rd Vice President, Arc. Ibeanu Chike Chamberlain fnia Honorary General Secretary and Arc. Ali Mukhtar fnia Treasurer.
Enyi Ben-Eboh noted that prior to the last two years the Architecture profession had gone through a four year period of internal strife and reassured all members of the Institute that his administration would continue in the path of reconciliation as initiated by his predecessor.
He further assured all that in the first quarter of 2022 an all-encompassing retreat will be convened to not only examine new strategies to reposition the NIA but provide a platform to bring to a closure all contentious issues within the Architecture family in Nigeria.
He also promised to rebrand the Institute for sustainable growth, development and national relevance.
The NIA President promised to collaborate with international sister organizations in the areas of capacity building, knowledge sharing and technological transfer while pledging to collaborate with other built environment professions to develop the nation’s construction industry as was initiated during the last Archibuilt Expo held in October this year.
Highlights of the 61st Annual General Meeting themed Smart Architecture: Exploring New Frontiers in Architectural Practice, included paper presentations which dwelt on global trends in Architecture, afrocenterism/ Culture sensitive Architecture as well as new techniques in Urban Design for African cities.
In his address the Special Guest of Honour at the occassion, HE Senator Liyel Imoke the former Governor of Cross River State commended the unique process through which the Institute chooses its leaders. He extolled the virtues of the new President who served under his administration as the Managing Director of the state owned special purpose vehicle for housing delivery and expects that he would apply same diligence in his new assignment as NIA President.
The event also witnessed the conferment of Awards on past Presidents of the Institute as well as a Posthumous Award of Excellence conferred on one of Nigeria’s foremost Architects in the person of Chief Isaac Folayan Alade OFR, FNIA who passed on June 19, 2021. The post humous Award was received on behalf of the family by his daughter Arc. Yinka Williams.
Guests were treated to a full cultural display by the Cultural troop from Cross Rivers.
