Sanwo-Olu pledges to partner estate surveyors, sanitise sector

Demola-Alade sworn in as 27th NIESV’s chairman

To unlock more investment, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to synergise with members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to sanitise the industry for the benefit of the people and development of the economy.

He disclosed that the government has implemented reforms that would ease the process of property investment through the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority and the state’s task force on land matters.

The Governor spoke at the investiture of Mrs. Olabisi Demola-Alade as the 27th chairman of the Lagos branch of NIESV. Represented by the Commissioner for housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, he noted that government is open to ideas and initiatives that are targeted at improving the living standards of residents, adding the administration is ready to welcome all ideas aimed at developing the real estate and landed economy space.

The forum attracted permanent secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr. Bode Agoro, president of NIESV, Emmanuel Wike, past assistant governor for rotary district 9110, Okechukwu Mojekwu, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, representative of Lagos State commissioner for physical planning and urban development, Dr. Idris Salako, past chairmen of NIESV Lagos branch and fellows of the institution.

He said “It is worthy to note that through the activities of the institution, we have been able to secure and improve the technical knowledge entailed in landed economy valuation, appraisal of real estate, other fixtures and fittings, that have been helpful and instrumental in the development of real estate while also reducing the troubles residents face when it comes to property development and valuation”, he said.

The governor advised the new chairman to build on the goodwill and cooperation between the government and the institution to ensure that all practising professionals and investment firms are registered with the government to ensure uniformity in sanitising the sector.

The keynote speaker, Mojekwu encouraged estate surveyors and valuers to lead the synergy with other professionals in the built sector.

In her investiture address, Mrs. Demola-Alade who acknowledged walking a path, which menfolk have walked for 50 years, assured that the new administration would not be found wanting in dispensing its responsibilities, mandates, and the confidence reposed in them to move the institution to the next level.

She said “We would be expanding the frontiers of the branch’s engagement with internal and external stakeholders and deepening relationships with both public and private sectors. I have presented to members a “10-point agenda and this has been documented for reference and strict compliance in the implementation of our programmes, which has members’ welfare at the top.”

Earlier, the immediate past chairman, Mr. Adedotun Bamigbola observed that the past two years of the last executive was an unusual period due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the various restrictions, including the lockdown.

However, he said the executive was able to come together and blaze the trail on many fronts to position the chapter for the better.