We’ll solve socio-economic problems with architecture —NIA executive

The newly inaugurated executive of the Nigerian Institute of Architecture (NIA), Lagos State branch, has stated its commitment towards solving socio-cultural and economic problems in Lagos State through forming a formidable partnership with the Lagos State government.

Led by its Chairman, Fitzgerald Umah, the executive said architecture if well harnessed, had the prospect of helping to solve Nigeria’s myriads of socio-cultural and economic problems irrespective of regions, religion of tribal differences.

The elected chairman in his inaugural speech stated that the new executives had hit the ground running with a series of visits and activities that would benefit the profession in Lagos State in the long run.

He said architecture had moved beyond designing sophisticated buildings to a means of solving socio cultural problems, eradicating poverty and creating a livable community and that the chapter was fully ready to work with the Lagos State government to achieve this.

He enjoined all architects in all sectors of the profession in Lagos to join hands with the new executives to move the profession forward and create a more robust relationship with other allied professionals in order to enhance the standard of the construction industry in Lagos.

The chairman further promised to work enormously on student mentorship for architectural schools in Lagos thereby tackling quackery from the roots.

It will be recalled that the NIA, Lagos State chapter, recently inaugurated its new executive council, which it hopes would help steer the affairs of the chapter for the next two years.

The inauguration followed an election that was held in July 2016 at the Freedom Park, Marina, Lagos.

The honorary General Secretary of the Nigeria Institute of Architects, Mr Abimbola Ajayi, on behalf of the institute’s president, Mr Tonye Braide, had conducted the swearing-in of the new chairman, who afterwards took over proceedings by swearing in the other executive members.

The newly elected executive council members are Chairman, Mr Fitzgerald Umah; Vice Chairman, Mr Adebayo Ogunmefun; General Secretary, Mr Samson Akinyosoye; Treasurer, Mr Bolanle Olukareh; Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Fatuyi and Social Welfare Officer, Mr Adebowale Fafore.