From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
The Nigerian Institute of Architects, (NIA)has lauded Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris over rapid development in the state within shortest period he assumed office.
The National President of the NIA,Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh, stated this at the Annual General Meeting/Conference and 21st Anniversary celebration of the institute held in Birnin Kebbi.
Enoh, who also conferred award of “Architect of Modern Kebbi” on Governor Idris for his development strides in the state said,the institute was overwhelmed over the physical development they seen in the state under the current administration.
According to him, the development strides in the state within a very short period of time under Gov. Idris were mind blowing.This development in Kebbi State is outstanding and I want to charge the participants to proffer solutions to the challenges in the construction sector”.
He said that architects must look inward for sustainable practices in design and construction indigenous with identity,culture and our environment.
“The theme for this year’s meeting is” The Role of Architecture in Nation Building. This is appropriate, especially at the time of our National Development.
“It is intended to give an overview of the role of architects and their contribution to national development,” he added.
While receiving the award, Governor Idris, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, noted that the programmes of that nature were not only educative but would also go along way in ensuring best practices in the discharge of their duties.
“It is our hope that members will inculcate through your deliberations the spirit of commitment, zeal and dedication to duty so that together we push our promising state to greater heights.
” The urban renewal programme of this administration would consistently be enhanced and the possibility of domesticating the National Building Code would be given consideration as well.
“As a government, we are very much aware of the importance of good planning, a committee would, therefore, be set up to organise contacts between the ministries in the building environment sector.
” The aim is to come up with a working master plan for the state capital and major towns within the state,” he said.
The Governor, who assured the NIS of looking into and studying their request has also announced the allocation of a piece of land to the Institute for construction of its Secretariat in the state .
He hoped that the AGM would inculcate into the members the spirit of hardwork and diligence in their various fields of endeavour.
The Hon. Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdullahi Umar Faruk Muslim acknowledged the unique style of leadership and governance of Governor Nasir Idris that has brought quick development to Kebbi State.
Earlier, the state Chairman of the NIA, Arc.Sa’ad Musa-Sakaba, who is also the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Transport, noted that the governor had transformed the state into a huge construction site within just few months after taking over the mantle of leadership in the state.
According to him, the construction is a term that all architects are familiar with and in one way or the other associated with.
Musa-Sakaba also requested the governor to domesticate national building code to enhance infrastructural development.
“This in turn would set the pace for a comprehensive and up to date master plan for the state capital and other major towns in the state.
“There was a programme that was inherited from former Sokoto state where students of Architecture after completing their B.Sc. programme are employed by the Ministry of Works as pupils Architects and allowed to complete their M.Sc programme .
“We wish to seek for the return of that policy to assist the students of Architecture to complete their Master’s Degree Programme and obtain their registration as is done for Medical and Paramedical students,” he requested.