Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has called on its retired staff to be good ambassadors of the council. ARCON President, Oladipo Ajayi, who made the call recently while sending forth retired staff of the council, said the ceremony, which was first since the establishment of the council in 1969 became necessary to reward excellence and dedication of its workforce.

Ajayi, who acknowledged the workers’ loyalty, urged them not to dissociate themselves from the council. He said: “Though you have served and retired, I urge you to stand for the truth. As much as we are eager to identify with you, we urge you to identify with us and represent us well in all your endeavours.

The president also charged serving staff to exemplify good spirit and dedication to their job and surpass the landmarks the retirees have established. Ajayi charged them to raise the bar of architecture in Nigeria, which is one of the mandates of the council.

“Be thoughtful, be more active and come up with fresh innovations and ideas that will increase the council’s earnings.”ARCON Registrar, Umar Murnai, who expressed gratitude to the retirees, noted that ARCON has reviewed its achievements in the last few years, concluded that the members of staff have been diligent in executing their tasks.

Another speaker, Kayode Anibaba, appealed to ARCON to take good care of the retirees. “They are assets who know the history of the council more than some of us. Yes, they have retired, but they can still be useful to the council. I plead that no matter what; let’s ask after their welfare because they’ve done a lot for ARCON.”

Former Nigerian Institute of Architect (NIA) Chairman, Lagos chapter, Ladi Lewis, called on the council to carry along both the retired and serving staff, and urged the retirees to be good ambassadors of ARCON.

Noting that many of them are living archives of the council, he urged the council to work towards coming up with its history, using some of the narratives from the retirees.