By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Nigerian Institute of Architects Ebonyi state chapter has urged its national body to implement stiffer measures that would elicit commitment from members towards their state chapters.
The state Chairman of the association, Dr Emma Udomiaye made the call in Abakaliki, during its one-day symposium with the theme: “Resilient urban economies: cities as a driver for growth and recovery’
Udomiaye said that the non-challant attitude of members towards their state chapters was worrisome and affects their activities negatively.
“When I ask 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 urged the institute’s national body to refer members who approach it for assistance, to their state chapters to make them realize 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 provision, for instance, requiring someone wishing to write a professional examination to stipulate his or her state chapter.
“The concerned state chapter should,in turn,  be required to attest for such person. These measures will elicit greater commitment from members towards the chapters,”
He urged the Ebonyi government to integrate architects in its developmental plans due to their importance in physical planning and overall development.
The Ebonyi Commissioner for Housing, Francis Ori, commended the institute for organizing the programme noting that the state government would always identify with its ideals.
“Architecture is a noble profession which has played key roles in societal development over the years.
“People who have the calling to study architecture are at ease with it but those who merely studied it are not at ease even if they are good designers,”
Mr Chris Igwe, Chairman of the Symposium Planning Committee, said that architects are key players in enhancing the environment and ensuring equitable habitat.
Igwe said that the association identifies with the state government’s charter of needs mantra of which housing is key.
A Participant at the symposium and the chapter’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Lekan Lawal said it would continue enlightening the people on the importance of architects to societal development.
Prof. Isidore Ezema of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, delivered a lecture at the symposium with the topic: ‘Housing and the Ebonyi people’s charter of needs; prospects and challenges’.
