By Uzoma Ekweaga
Anambra State Housing Commissioner, Hon. Pauly Onyeka has charged the members of Anambra State Chapter of Nigeria Institute of Architects to prioritize 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 Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIASSC)’s Annual Conference at Oba Daniel Nwandu Architectural Research Center, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, noted that as professionals, they must conduct themselves in good manners, especially during interface with other professionals building professionals to avert problems in the construction industry .
According to him: ” l think that the piece of advise that l will give to you today is that as architects, from the onset, 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.”
He advised them to also pay attention to environmental architecture as they do 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 as arrogance will take a lot of good things away from them and bar them from taking advise which is dangerous .
He expressed appreciation to the institution for honoring him, which is an indication of the Ministry’s positive impact in the state and a great litmus test on the wonderful and exponential achievements of professor Chukwuma Soludo.
He however declared his love for the architectural profession and pledged to always support the association’s activities whenever the need arises .
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Chairman of NIASSC , Arc. Ikenna Onuorah welcomed all the people to the event , saying that this year’s theme : Towards A Livable and Sustainable Urban City : Role of Professionalism in Planning and Construction ” was in line with Professor Chukwuma Soludo’s desire to address environmental problems facing the cities with more emphasis on challenges of professionalism.
He said that according to the United Nations Environmental Program, (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 include the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Carol Umobi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof Agbonome P, 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 Aniegbunna and the Executive Chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barr. Chike Maduekwe, among others.
