By Felix Khanoba
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has called on architects in the country to make concerted efforts to bring down the cost of construction in Nigeria.
President of the Institute, Sonny Echono, who made the call during his inauguration as the 28th President of NIA in Abuja on Friday, said architects have to sustain its valuable contribution to the country.
“We must reconnect with all our stakeholders, reform and rebrand our enterprise, redefine and aggressively promote the role of architects in the society and make sustained efforts to bring down the cost of construction in the country.
“This we can do by minimizing country risks, promoting greater efficiency in project management and eliminating loopholes and avenues for corruption,” said Echono, who also doubles as Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Education.
Speaking further at the event that attracted who is who in the architecture profession as well as former Vice President Muhammed Namadi Sambo, Echono assured members of NIA of the readiness of the executive council in expanding opportunities for participation in the economy.
In a goodwill message, Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, described Echono as a very competent Nigerian that has continued to discharge his duties with integrity.
While saying he has continued to savour the good working relationship with the Permanent Secretary, Adamu congratulated the new executive of NIA and charged them to discharge their duties to the best of their ability.
On her part, acting Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, poured encomiums on Echono, describing him as one of the finest civil servants in the country.
She challenged NIA to come up with an action-plan that would support Federal Government’s initiatives in tackling the problem of housing deficit in the country.
The AUTHORITY reports that the inauguration of the NIA executive council also witnessed the presence of Ade Ipaye- representative of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu; Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, among other dignitaries.
