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The President of the Commonwealth Association of Architects, Peter Oborn, FRIBA is in Nigeria to attend the 63rd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, NIA #NIA2023BGM
During his visit he paid a courtesy call to the office of the Honourable Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, FNIA.
The visit was led by the NIA President, Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh FNIA, accompanied by the NIA President-Elect, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, FNIA and other members of the NIA Executive Council.
The CAA President, who arrived in Abuja from the UK the same day, was accompanied by his wife, Amanda Reekie.
At the Opening Ceremony which was conducted by the Honorable Minister after an inspiring Keynote Address by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Senator (Arc) Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, (Deputy Senate Leader) Peter Oborn highlighted on the urgent need to implement Sustainable Urbanization across the Commonwealth. This includes the need to plan for Urban expansion, the importance of integrated Urban planning, the role of technology and the use of data. He encouraged knowledge sharing through dialogue and increased opportunities for professional training in Urban development.
Peter Oborn, President of the Commonwealth Association of Architects
Senator (Arc) Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, Deputy Senate Leader, representing the Senator President, Senator Godswill Akpabio
Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, FNIA, Honorable Minister for Housing and Urban Development
Speaking while declaring open the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa FNIA explained that the Federal Government is currently embarking on radical reforms which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. these reforms would ensure quick, easy, and efficient access to land. On the housing deficit which has been variously put at 17 million, 21 million, 22 million and 28 million, the Minister described it as a source of embarrassment to the Government.
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc Enyi Ben-Eboh FNIA, PNIA, in his speech reiterated the need for architects to focus their attention on Afrocentric Architecture stating that if we are to remain relevant within the Architectural space, we must begin to evolve sustainable ways of providing shelter that are uniquely ours and meets all the indices of sustainability while satisfying function and durability.
The President-Elect of NIA and Chairman of the National Organizing Committee for the Conference, Arc Mobolaji Adeniyi FNIA in her welcome address stated that one of the main aims of this year’s event is to glean insights, share experiences and forge new paths towards creating sustainable and resilient cities of the future.