By George Ozalla
For any association to attain its 40th anniversary and still waxing strong with more brighter future prospect is no mean feat!
The Nigerian Institute of Architects Abuja Chapter, NIAABC literally lit up the Federal Capital Territory FCT-Abuja for many different days by rolling out drums to celebrate 40th anniversary of its formation, with well loaded series of different activities to celebrate its remarkable achievements over the past 40 years; beginning from jumaat prayer at the National Mosque Abuja on Friday 28th June and thanksgiving church service at Saint Mathew’s Anglican Church, Maitama District Abuja on Sunday 30th June respectively.
Fitness walk and health check, golf tournament, diverse topical professional discussions, insightful lectures, exhibitions, networking, convention, dinner, city tour, awards night/recognitions and lastly 2024 Biennial General Meeting (BGM) followed suit!
All of these scheduled events were well crafted to present atmospheres of gratitude to God Almighty, conviviality, fitness, learning, re-learning, networking, stock taking as well as peeping into the future with huge impactful prospects.
No doubt, all of these lined up events equally attracted large number of NIAABC members, NIA members from other various state chapters, corporate organisations, stakeholders and by extension international dignitaries!
Echoing and re-echoing the theme of the convention; Architecture Unlimited: Yesterday’s Lessons, Today’s Experience, Tomorrow’s Blocks featured topical presentations on critical dynamic roles the noble profession of architecture has obviously played towards shaping asthetic world, where each steps builds upon the lessons of the past to enhance the present and lay solid foundation for the future, while not leaving out obvious challenges.
Earlier, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike who was represented on the occassion by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Social Development Secretariat, Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar
commended the NIA for its collective evergreen role in making Abuja-FCT what it is today by dint of hard work, dedication and collective vision of its members.
Wike in his goodwill message noted that: “over the past four decades, the Abuja Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and its members have played a pivotal role in the development of the Federal Capital Territory. From the initial master planning to the intricate designs of our iconic buildings, your expertise has transformed Abuja into a city that stands as a testament to modernity and cultural heritage. The skyline of Abuja, adorned with architectural marvels is a reflection of your commitment to excellence and your relentless pursuit of perfection”. Wike while concluding urged NIA members to “reaffirm dedication to the principles of excellence, innovation, and sustainability that have brought us this far”.
The Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa ‘FNIA expressed delight- seeing remarkable achievements recorded by NIA and NIAABC at forty and enjoined his professional colleagues to keep up rendering efficient professional services to the nation.
In her address, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects NIA, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi ‘PNIA, FNIA remarked: “the birth of the Abuja Chapter, twenty-four years after the establishment of our great institute, is a testament to our leaders’ dedication and hard work in ensuring the inclusion of all the zones of Nigeria in the umbrella body for architecture in Nigeria. It is even more significant to note that your position within the Federal Capital of Nigeria makes this Chapter particularly important in driving the goals and aspirations of the Nigerian Institute of Architects in the development of the built environment”.
Arc. Adeniyi continuing stated that: “forty years is a significant milestone in the life of an association, marking four decades of growth, resilience, and dedication to the architectural profession.
It represents a journey of learning, adaptation, and evolution, shaped by collective efforts of countless individuals who have contributed to the chapter’s success”.
The President of American Institute of Architects (AIA), Arc. Kimberly N. Dowdell AIA, NOMAC, along side her colleagues Arc. Derek Washam, Arc. Olanre Olushola who is the President of the newly established Sub-Sahara Africa Section of American Institute of Architects (AIA) in their separate remarks expressed gladness for having the opportunity to celebrate milestone achievements of NIA Abuja Chapter at 40 recognizing the fact that such an event presents vital moments for useful connections to enhance growth of both architecture and architects in order to fulfill common mission, which is to indeed empower and inspire architects to transform built environment for the benefit of all.
The climax and final lapse of the 40th year celebrations were the three day convention which began on August 8th-10th, culminating into night of awards/recognitions and the Chapter’s Biennial General Meeting (BGM) that saw to the re-election of the presiding Executives of NIAABC, ably led by Arc. Yemi Sola-Adebiyi ‘FNIA on Saturday 10th August, 2024 at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja.
Major highlights of the 40th anniversary celebrations were presentations of different categories of awards/recognitions to outstanding members, NIAABC pioneer Chair: Arc. Cletus C.N.A. Umerie, past executives, worthy individuals and corporate organisations, students and group photographs.
Visibly elated Chair of NIAABC, Arc. Yemi Sola-Adebiyi ‘FNIA in both her earlier remark and post re-election remark stated that: “today we appreciate not only our past Chairs but also the Executive Committees that worked with them. As we celebrate the 40th year of NIA Abuja Chapter let us remember that the strength of our Chapter lies in collective contributions of its members: let us honour our past by committing to even brighter future, ensuring that values of dedication, resilience and excellence continue to define our profession”.
Arc. Sola-Adebiyi further expressed profound joy and appreciation to her colleagues for believing not only in her but the entire executive team thereby re-electing them and promised to do more and not let them down.
