Taraba NIA Elects New Officials, Tasks Govt On Support
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
Taraba State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has elected new officials to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.
Some of the newly elected officials
Our Correspondent who monitored the election held Weekend at the conference hall of Blue Nile Suites in Jalingo, said the Taraba Chapter had its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), and also celebrated the institute’s 10th year Anniversary with the theme, “Architects as Leaders of the Built Environment” before the election.
“Despite the fact that the Committee came up with an agreement that the election be unopposed, the participants emphasized that proper election be conducted which was later allowed, but by raising of hands, a proof that the officials were duly elected”,
Those elected were, Architects Agbu Dana’zumi Adashu – Chairman, Agbese Igewu Ignatius – Vice Chairman, Bulus Umar Bello – Secretary, Ezekiel Ripiye Santi – Assistant Secretary, Zainab Aliyara Haruna – Treasurer, Kano Samuel – Financial Secretary, Ande Y. James – Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Others were, the immediate past Chairman, Ibrahim Muhammad Kawuwa – Ex officio I and Salihu M. Muhammad – Ex officio II.
A group photograph of the NIA, Taraba State Chapter
In a remark, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Architect Benjamin Danjuma commended the delegates for ensuring a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere throughout the exercise.
He called on the new officials to run an open door policy with a view to carrying all members along.
Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly, the Chairman-elect, Architect Agbu Dana’zumi Adashu said his leadership would focus on training of the younger Architects, towards ensuring that they get registered as professionals.
Adashu further disclosed that Taraba NIA, though ten years old, its numerical strength is low.
“We hope to grow our numerical strength so that we can have a good strength to do the work”.
On ways to reduce the incessant building collapse experienced nowadays, he added, “We have to sensitize the people, our clients who provide the money and materials have a hand in this”,
Arch Agbu Dan’azumi Adashu
“We have to insist as professionals, in collaboration with other professional bodies to ensure that qualities of the materials being used are to the standard”
“And then, sharp practices on the part of our colleagues may also be responsible if the quality and quantity that is required is downplayed in order to gain financial proceeds”, he said.
He pledged to keep integrity, honesty and commitment to the ethical practice of the profession,
“We are going to work on these and also try to get across to Governments to work with us, and give us the necessary cover and support that will make us enforce the facts that things ought to be done right”,
The paper presenter Arc. Umar Bulus Bello, during an interview said, the essence of the paper presentation was to reawaken consciousness in the minds of the Architects.
They have to be patient, follow due diligence, get registered.
He advised government at all levels to ensure that registered and/or confirmed Architects are engaged in the designing, building and construction industry.
According to him, by engaging registered and licensed professionals, it will reduce the chances of people using substandard materials at the sites.
“Most of the causes of building collapse are as a result of taking short cuts in the process of construction”.
Also in an interview, Arc. Hadiza Bello Yero, Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Works and Infrastructures, expressed dismay that the profession has been hijacked by quacks.
Adding to the reason why there are rampant collapse of buildings in the society, Arc. Yero said their clients have abandoned the registered and licensed professionals but engaged the quacks who were not trained to do their work.
“Today, somebody who did not go to school to read something about building is the person that is doing the designing for the people, the rules and guidelines of the profession have been neglected and that is the problem”, she added.
Architect Hadiza Bello Yero however, called on the government of the day to come in and enforce the ‘Building Control Law’ on the people before any house or building could be erected.
