The Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Rivers State Chapter, has ended her week-long 6th A.G. Spiff memorial Lecture/Inauguration Dinner Night, at the Banquet Hall, Hotel Presidential, on Saturday, September 29, 2012.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Barr. Reginald Ukwuoma, Executive Chairman of Etche LGA, Rivers State, observed that the over 3,000 members of NIA across the country was too small to drive home the desired expectation of Architects in the country, as some of them are still found in different institutions all over Nigeria.
Barr. Ukwuoma opined that the earth was founded on a very powerful work of Architecture, and described Architecture as the foundation of every home, urging NIA to collaborate with all the relevant agencies of government to curb the menace of quacks in the profession.
Addressing journalists at the Dinner Night, Arc. Dike Emmanuel, NIA Chapter Chairman, Rivers State, explained that the event was in honour of Late Arc. (Chief) Alfred George Takenate, the first Rivers State Chapter Chairman, who was murdered in 1994 at the age of 68.
He described the day as a great one in the annals of Architecture in the state, having been given a 2-year mandate, to pioneer the affairs of the institute, adding that Architecture and its practice should be left for professionals.
Arc. Dike, has however advised the general public to always ask for the license or the two numbers given to them before giving their drawings and check for approved drawings. He used the event to give details of the activities to bring the civil societies, top politicians and other stake holders to discuss on some innovations in the business of Architecture.
He was optimistic that NIA in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning would harness policies that would help to sensitize the people, hence the need to patronize Architects in order to make their dream homes come true.
In the same vein, Arc. Chioma Wogu-Ogbonna, Vice Chairman, NIA Rivers State Chapter, highlited her desire to become an Architect while growing up. She enjoined young girls not to shy away from the profession and the need to increase the number of Universities to offer the course of Architecture, believing that such would help in shaping the Architectural future of this nation, particularly in Rivers State
Responding to journalists, Hon. Okpokiri Belema, the immediate past Chairman of NIA Rivers State Chapter and member representing Okirika constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, stated that foundation has been laid for the new Exco, affirming that they will do better, despite challenges. He said NIA in partnership with Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning will help to enforce some of the policies of NIA, Rivers State Chapter as well as in the fight against quacks.
Prof. Dr. Barineme Fakae, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, in his view, attributed the work of Architecture to God Almighty and said that UST already has a department of Architecture.
In a related development, the NIA Rivers State Chapter has celebrated the World Habitat Day 2012, at the Delta Hotels Ltd, Port Harcourt on the 1st of October, 2012, where Arc. Dike Emmanuel said that discussions were channeled on government to establish a partnership in carrying out its Urban Renewal Project/Initiative.
Both Arc. Dike and Desmond Obinna, Director, Ministry of Urban Development, Rivers State, urged Professional Bodies to stop fighting each other, but to come together and present policies to government that will help develop the state.
Papers were presented by Chief Sir, Arc. Boma Braide, Dr. Miebaka Innocent Aprioku of Niger Delta University, NDU, and Dr. Stanley Harbert, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt. ####
By Blaise Elumezie
