Architects to settle rift, plan architectural projects in Lokoja

Disturbed by the controversy surrounding the registration of new members, top leaders in the architectural practice may have waded into the dispute and plan to resolve the rift.

The registration body – Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) have been at loggerhead, resulting in series of altercation over an alleged plan by ARCON to usurp the powers of NIA to conduct Professional Practice Competence Examination.

Last month, the bodies had threaded words in the pages of newspapers, where NIA President, Tonye Oliver Braide and the General Secretary, Mrs. Abimbola Ajayi, dismissed earlier directive by ARCON, describing “the contents of the advert as mischievous, misleading and a contravention of the provisions in the law.”

Consequently, the members of NIA are calling for an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) on the issue.

Chairman of Lagos State Chapter of NIA, Fitzgerald Umah told The Guardian that major decisions would be taken during the meeting in order to save members, who were refused ARCON registration after passing the institute’s examination.

Speaking on his achievements as chairman of the chapter, he stressed that his administration has delivered on its promise by increasing the number of architects from Lagos and encouraged architects to take their professional examinations by alleviating some of their challenges.
Explaining further at the Chapter 2017 Yearly General Meeting in Lagos, Umah said his administration has continued in its fight to get the profession back on the track of leadership in the built industry and ensure that members’ jobs and the profession are protected.

Umah also indicated the institute’s desire to improve the welfare of members through its cooperative society, stressing that it was unthinkable that architects design houses for others while they lack such essential amenities.

On the identity card recently introduced by the National Executive of NIA, Umah said it has nothing to do with the marriage with ARCON but was designed to correct the anomalies that followed elections in the national body as micro chips have been imbedded in the cards to help check quacks and achieve a seamless electoral process.

Meanwhile, NIA is to embark on some architectural projects in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

NIA President, Tonye Braide disclosed this in Lagos at the 60th birthday of Mr. Olusegun Ladega, organized by alumni of department of architecture, University of Lagos, in conjunction with the Lagos State Chapter of NIA event was attended by doyens of architecture in Nigeria which include; Femi Majekodunmi, Olatokunbo Omisore, the State Chairman of NIA; Fitzgerald Umah, friends and families of the celebrant, amongst others.

Braid observed that the institute has identified about 800 graves in the Nigeria former capital city which if rehabilitated could serve as a tourist attraction, boost the economy and promote cohesion and indivisibility of the country.

The celebrant, Mr. Olusegun Ladegan commended Nigerian architects for being the best in design practices such as, Universities, Teaching hospital buildings, Stadia amongst others, despite the challenges of the moment.