The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has concluded arrangements to celebrate its 65th anniversary and honour former President Goodluck Jonathan for his contributions to architectural space in the country.

NIA president, Mobolaji Adeniyi, in a briefing in Abuja, said the professional body has come a long way in the built environment through endurance, resilience in professionalism, adding that they will also honour the late Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, and Arc. Namadi Sambo at the event.

She explained that the Speaker, House of Representatives, and Niger State Governor are scheduled to be given awards for what they have contributed over the years to the profession and the sector in general, and they want to give honors to whom it is due.

According to Adeniyi, NIA has over 15,000 memberships such as students, graduates, and fellows, and they expecting architects from Ghana, Niger Republic, Senegal, Botswana and other countries of the world to join them for the 65th anniversary celebration in Abuja.

“We intend to use this occasion to look back and to chart a new path for the future architects in Nigeria. We’ve put in place mechanisms to guard against foreigners dominating our architectural space before our independence, and fight against quackery in the profession,” she added.

The 2nd Vice President, Wogu-Ogbonna, while answering questions on affordable housing delivery, argued that the government has put in place task teams to tackle this, disclosing that they have partnered with NIA to design and construct 100 housing units in every local council.

The past President, Olubukunola Ejiwunmi, submitted that the government was collaborating with NIA on affordable housing initiatives and reduce cases of building collapse across the country.