From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Enugu State Chapter, has called for the adoption of the Igbo traditional succession model known as Obiefuna to tackle the sustainability challenges facing architectural firms in Nigeria. The Obiefuna concept focuses on mentoring and structured succession to ensure sustainability and longevity.
This idea was at the heart of the 5th edition of the memorial lecture in honour of their fallen colleague, Frank Mbanefo, in Enugu. The event also marked the 50th anniversary of the chapter.
On the significance of the milestone, State Chairman of the Institute, 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 with the theme: “Global strategies in the sustainability of architectural practices,” brought together leading architects, professionals, and stakeholders to address why many firms in Nigeria hardly survived their founders.
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.
“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.
“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.”
Other practical recommendations were the need for quality architectural training, bridging the gap between education and practice, and enhancing the detailing of professional output: “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.”
Also highlighted in the communiqué were- fostering inclusivity through profit sharing, building trust, and implementing succession planning based on merit and clear standards.
The nomination and ratification of Adibe Njoku as the South East representative in the Board of Trustees, the NIA’s highest governing level in Nigeria was also celebrated at the event.