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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Enugu State Chapter, has recommended the adoption of the Igbo traditional succession model, known as Obiefuna, to tackle the sustainability challenges facing architectural firms in Nigeria.
This idea was at the heart of the 5th edition of the Arc. Frank Mbanefo Memorial Lecture, held in Enugu.
This year’s lecture also marked the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Enugu State Chapter.
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, NIA Enugu State Chairman, Emeka Nwankwo, said:
“The chapter was formed in 1974 as the Nigerian Institute of Architects East Central State Chapter.
“By virtue of that status, this chapter birthed all the other South Eastern chapters due to state creations that have occurred over the period. So, we are celebrating 50 years and also marking our annual lecture series.”
The event, themed “Global strategies in the sustainability of architectural practices,” brought together leading architects, professionals, and stakeholders to address why many firms in Nigeria struggle to survive beyond their founders.
On the challenge of continuity, Nwankwo lamented the collapse of several leading architectural firms in Nigeria, stating that the reverse was the case for firms in other climes.
“We had notable firms like Alex Ekwueme and Associates, Frank Mbanefo and Associates, and all of them seem to have disappeared with the demise of the founders. When we x-ray what happens in other climes, we find architectural practices in Europe and America that have stayed for over a hundred years.
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“So, the pertinent question is: can we look at what those people do, their strategies for sustainability and bring it down to the local level here so that it could form some kind of template for practice today,” he queried.
A critical part of the discussions was the recommendation of the Igbo Obiefuna concept, which focuses on mentoring and structured succession to ensure sustainability and longevity.
“The Igbo people have been known for mentoring. The Igba Boy system has been very paramount in our landscape traditionally. So, what the concept of Obiefuna means is mentoring. So that there is succession, so that one’s expertise does not disappear.”
The event’s communiqué offered several practical recommendations for ensuring the sustainability of architectural practices in Nigeria, such as the need for quality architectural training, bridging the gap between education and practice, and enhancing the detailing of professional output.
The communiqué noted that, “A clear strategy for securing commissions is vital for the sustainability of architectural practices. Effective financial management, including investments in other sectors, is critical for the success of architectural firms.”
Other key highlights in the communiqué included fostering inclusivity through profit sharing, building trust, and implementing succession planning based on merit and clear standards.
The communiqué further stressed that, “Mentoring is a critical component of a firm’s sustainability. By modeling practices along the Igbo concept of Obiefuna, where succession is clearly defined, expertise and legacies can endure across generations. Trust remains the foundation upon which successful architectural practices are built.”
The nomination and ratification of Adibe Njoku as the South East representative in the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the institute’s highest governing level in Nigeria, was also celebrated at the event.
