Architects plan cooperative housing project

Despite its numerous challenges, the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Architects (NIA) has begun moves to provide residential accommodation for its members.

The project was inline with renewed drive and energy infused in its cooperative society – Lagos Architects Cooperative (LARCOOP).

Already, the chapter is discussing with Sterling Alternative Finance a brand of Sterling Bank PLC to finance the proposed Cooperative Housing Project.

Chairman of the chapter, Fitzergerald Umah, who disclosed this at the 2019 Annual General Meeting held last week, said LARCOOP, will continued to support subscribers through loan facilities and support for projects.

He stressed that the chapter created a platform where issues affecting the cooperative are to be discussed to further enhance its capacity to meet their needs.

He encouraged members to take advantage of the product offerings and make their monthly contributions conscientiously.

According to him, the chapter has grown in membership strength and has become more active than previous years by participating in various built environment programmes both at state and national levels.

Umah, who gave account of his stewardship for the past one year, said the chapter through its yearly  Lagos Architect Forum (LAF) has helped architects impact positively on Students of Architecture in the country through the students’ Charrette instituted three years ago, which is now a must attend for all students of architecture.

He also said the Annual Design competition has helped identify students with great talent and strong design strength, which is important to achieving best practices in Architecture.

According to him, LAF has among other things created jobs for architects, manufacturers of construction materials and allied professionals in the building industry through exhibition of products and services, architects’ works and other forms of networking at the events.

LAF, he said, has also created a good platform for the discussion of architecture and built environment matters, where issues on urban development, environmental and design matters are discussed, and solutions are proffered.

“The quality of this year’s Forum, he continued, has improved further whereby the programme witnessed excellent exhibitors, good booth sales and a high record of participant registration with about 2000 people in attendance.

“We made the highest profit in this edition of LAF. A good number of Nigerian architects in the diaspora, who are good players in their field of Architecture in the USA, UK and Europe were also in attendance as international speakers. Other international Speakers came from Uganda and Italy.

“All these have been achieved, and several others not captured herein, despite the economically challenging year, especially in our industry,” he added.

Umah, however, noted the lingering crisis between professionals and regulatory bodies, stressing that it has caused untold hardship upon members and intending ones.

He pleaded on behalf of the NIA Lagos States Chapter Executive Committee for members to remain steadfast and be rest assured that the chapter is optimistic in achieving a suitable and sustainable resolution.

“Presently, is heart-warming that we can focus on activities geared towards our common good and we hope to remain focused and resolved in having positive impact on our members”, he added.