…Reaffirms commitment to professionalism

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, excellence and ethical practice in the environment, urging developers to engage qualified professionals to curb the rising incidence of building collapse across the country.

The institution also reiterated its resolve to tackle quackery and professional misconduct through sustained collaboration with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies.

President of the institution, Mallam Bature Ali Muhammad, stated this on Tuesday in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, during a Night of Tributes held in honour of the late First Vice President of NIESV, Emmanuel Mark, who was described as an exceptional leader and dedicated professional.

Muhammad said the institution remained concerned about the increasing cases of building collapse, attributing many of the incidents to the activities of unqualified practitioners and the refusal of some developers to comply with professional specifications in a bid to cut costs.

According to him, no qualified architect or engineer would deliberately design or supervise a building that could fail structurally.

“Building collapse remains a major concern to us. We have continued to advocate that developers engage the services of qualified professionals at every stage of construction. Many of these failures occur because some developers ignore professional advice, compromise on specifications and substitute approved materials with inferior ones in order to reduce costs,” he said.

He warned quacks operating in the built environment to desist from illegal practice or face the full weight of the law, stressing that NIESV would continue to strengthen regulatory oversight to protect lives and property.

The NIESV president disclosed that the institution had intensified collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to curb quackery and professional misconduct.

He said the partnership also extends to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) to ensure transparency and compliance within the real estate sector.

According to him, investigations by the EFCC have, in some instances, revealed that individuals involved in fraudulent real estate transactions were not registered estate surveyors and valuers but impostors posing as professionals.

“We have maintained a strong synergy with the EFCC, ICPC, the police and other agencies. We were among the first professional bodies to embrace SCUML registration because we recognise the importance of accountability and transparency. We also organise joint workshops to sensitise our members on ethical practice and regulatory compliance,” he added.

Muhammad described the late Emmanuel Mark as an exceptional leader whose commitment to service, integrity and the advancement of the profession left an enduring legacy.

He said the deceased was passionate about mentoring younger professionals and dedicated his life to promoting knowledge, ethical values and excellence within the institution.

“He demonstrated honesty, selfless service and unwavering commitment to humanity. His life reflected truth, inspired many and challenged professionals to pursue excellence,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Rivers State Branch of NIESV, Nwokoma Nwankwo, said although members were grieving the painful loss, they remained grateful to God for the impactful life Mark lived.

Speaking further , he said, the theme, “Celebrating a Life of Service, Professional Excellence and Enduring Legacy,” was apt as he described the late First Vice President as a servant-leader whose commitment to the institution was unwavering.

“He did not seek recognition; he sought results. He did not pursue titles; he pursued impact. Whether at the branch, the council or the management committee, he served with humility, integrity, wisdom and uncommon dedication,” he said.

Nwankwo noted that Mark distinguished himself through professionalism, competence and courage, adding that he remained committed to preserving the standards of estate surveying and valuation while mentoring younger professionals and promoting excellence within the institution.

According to him, the late First Vice President’s greatest legacy was the lives he transformed through mentorship, unity and selfless leadership.

“True greatness is measured not by the offices one occupies but by the lives one influences. Emmanuel invested in people, inspired confidence, built relationships and demonstrated that leadership is ultimately about service,” he said.

He added that although the institution deeply mourned Mark’s untimely death, members were proud that he served the profession with distinction and honour.

In an emotion-laden tribute, the widow of the deceased, Dr. Goody Noel Mark, described her late husband as a dependable friend, devoted family man and accomplished professional whose life was defined by excellence, compassion and commitment to service.

She thanked members of the institution for their support during this trying  timeand prayed for God’s strength to bear the irreparable loss