2 hours ago
4
The Anambra State Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) has inaugurated Chief Sir Raph Nwike as its new chairman.
Nwike takes over from Dr. Ulasi Okwuchukwu Joachin, the immediate past chairman of the association and the current State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC).
The Chapter also inaugurated a new set of executive council members who will serve the association for a period of two years.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the inauguration took place during the Association’s 2024 Professional Summit/Investiture with the theme: “The Need for the Government of Anambra to Take Proactive Measures to Eradicate the Incident of Building Collapse in the State.”
In his acceptance speech, Sir Nwike said the new executive under his leadership will promote cooperation among professional bodies for the social, ethical, and economic emancipation of Anambra State in particular and Nigeria at large.
ALSO READ: Gov Kefas partners CCECC on developmental projects in Taraba
He added that APBN will play an active and visible role in the evolution of good governance in Anambra State, promote unity and networking among member bodies, bring artisans and craftsmen under the umbrella of APBN to ensure proper utilization of their skills by professionals and the government in service delivery, and create a public works platform for recruiting and engaging qualified, registered artisans and craftsmen for the execution of private and government projects.
The Chairman urged the state government to collaborate with the professionals under APBN in the execution of development projects to ensure sustainability.
He also appealed to the state government to assist the association with a functional service vehicle and allocate at least two plots of land for the construction of APBN’s permanent secretariat in the state.
Nwike noted that the newly inaugurated executive council members are respected professionals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
In a brief remark, the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary (Office of the Secretary to the Government), Mr. Nwabufo Nwankwo, promised full partnership with the association to eradicate building collapse incidents in the state.
In his remarks, APBN President Ismailia Muhammdu Zakari, represented by the National Secretary, Engr. Dr. Sunny Emeka Ali, urged the new executive council members to commit to upholding the objectives and values of APBN and to work toward promoting the interests of all professional bodies in Anambra State.
He also charged them to partner with the state government to curb building collapse incidents and quackery in the state.
In their separate lectures, guest speakers Arc. Okechukwu Innocent Ezeobi, Engr. Prof. Alkaolisa Celestine Ezeagu, and Bldr. Kenneth Nnabuife Nduka argued that incidents of building collapse will continue until governance and ethical standards are followed.
The event, which featured awards presentations to deserving members of the association, was also attended by the State Chairman of COREN, Chief Engr. Victor Meju, a delegation from the Ossisoma Foundation led by Hon. Ben Obidigbo, and representatives from all 32 bodies that constitute the Association in the state.
