Ebonyi NIA chapter seeks stiffer penalty for members’ nonchalant attitude

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Nigerian Institute of Architects Ebonyi chapter has expressed worry over the nonchalant attitude of architects towards its activities in the state.
The state Chairman of the association, Dr. Emma Udomiaye, made the observation in Abakaliki on Monday during its one-day symposium with the theme: “Resilient urban economies: cities as a driver for growth and recovery
Udomiaye said such attitude of members towards their state chapters negatively affected their activities and urged its national body to implement stiffer measures that would elicit commitment from members towards their state chapters.
“When I asked many architects in Ebonyi, for instance, why they don’t attend meetings, they say they are very busy. A day is coming when architecture will equally be busy to attend to such persons,” he said.
He urged the institute’s national body to refer members who approached it for assistance, to their state chapters to make them realise the need to identify with the chapters.
“Whenever an architect needs something from the national body, such person should be referred to his or her state chapter. There should be a column for instance where someone wishing to write a professional examination is required to stipulate his or her state chapter. The concerned state chapter should also be required to attest for such person as these measures will elicit commitment from members towards the chapters,” he said.
He urged the Ebonyi government to integrate architects into its developmental plans due to their importance in physical planning and overall development.
The Ebonyi Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Francis Ori, commended the institute for organizing the programme, noting that the state government would always identify with its ideals.
The Chairman of the symposium’s planning committee, Mr Chris Igwe, said architects were key players in enhancing the environment and ensuring equitable habitat, adding that the association identifies with the state government’s charter of needs mantra of which housing was key.