Establish ‘Artisan Guild’ for Capacity Building, Development in Anambra- Architects Beg Soludo

By Praise Chinecherem

Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) Anambra State Chapter has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo‘s urban regeneration initiative.

The Institute gave the commendation during its 2024 Annual Conference, titled: ‘Towards a Liveable and Sustainable Urban City: role of professionals in planning and construction,’ held at Oba D.A Nwandu Architectural Research Centre, Department of Architecture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.

Chairman of the Institute, Arc Dr. Ikenna Michael Onuorah said the conference would help in repositioning the association and equipping the teeming young architects with the right knowledge for more effective performance.

He called on the governor to consider the establishment of “Artisan Guild” to pave room for training and re-training of artisans, especially, the building labourers, popularly known as manson-men carpenters, fitters etc, saying they contribute to the totality of any construction work in the society.

“The ongoing tree planting initiative across the three major cities in Anambra, Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi to make the State clean and green and other huge projects will remain major unforgettable achievements of governor Soludo in Anambra State.

“The same with the ongoing construction of Ekwulobia flyover, construction of fun city in Awka and the rehabilitation of Okpoko slum in Ogbaru council area of the state, mass employment in all sectors and the one youth, two skills acquisition programme,” he said.

Declaring the event open, Vice Chancellor, UNIZIK, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Very Rev. Fr. Arc. Prof. Peter Chukwuemeka Agbonome
challenged young and old architects in the state to portray the spirit of sportsmanship, hard work, enthusiasm and dedication in their profession.

He noted that working cooperatively with others within the engineering world remained the major way to curb quackery, incident of building collapse and efficiency.

Governor Soludo, represented by Commissioner for Housing and Infrastructure, Hon Pauly Onyeka urged the NIA to be creative and diverse-oriented architects, move beyond designing and building.

“Develop entrepreneurial master plan and the integrity to strengthen the reputation and values of the profession in line with governor’s vision of making Anambra a livable, clean, green and prosperous state in Nigeria,” he stated.

Earlier, guest speaker of the event, Arc Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, whose lecture centered on the theme of the conference, urged state government to collaborate with the professional bodies and other critical stakeholders to deliver the most liveable and sustainable cities in Nigeria and Africa at large.

“Anambra architects, urban planners, engineers, environmental scientists, and other built environment professionals, should be challenged to see to the realization of liveable and sustainable city of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi in the State.

“Liveable and sustainable urban cities are designed and developed with the primary intention of providing high quality of life for habitants while minimizing the negative impacts on the environment.

“They are designed for resilience and prioritize the well-being of residents, providing for access to clean air and water, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and recreational spaces.

“I recommend we start identifying our talents and begin the process of harnessing these capabilities as a key element of the Soludo solutions to the improvement of our urban spaces,” he stated.

Executive Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), Barr Chike Maduekwe who also spoke, urged the Architects to sustained a stronger synergy with other professionals in order to achieved their set goals.

Maduekwe, used the event to warn residents against passing the night in any building in the state undergoing construction.

He noted that the warnings were part of the Anambra government’s directive to mitigate building collapse in the state.

The Managing Director Anambra Bureau of Public Procurement who is also Anambra state council member of the Architects registration council lauded Governor Soludo’s developmental strides and charged Architects to live up to the expectation.

The conference also featured cash gift to three Nnamdi Azikiwe University Architecture Students; Ogbuagu Ifeanyi Emmanuel, Oli Emmanuel Ikechukwu and Mgburuchi Emmanuel Chinwendu for winning the NIA Students Design Competition on the topic a model market for Anambra State as sponsored by Arc. Charles Egbudom.

Award presentation to some deserving members of the society for their various contributions to the development of Architecture in State also formed highlight of the event.

The awardees include; the State Commissioner for Housing and Infrastructure Hon Pauly Onyeka, the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon Ossy Onuko, Don Ameachi Ifejika, the guest speaker, Arc Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, among others.