COMMISSIONER FOR LANDS RECEIVES COURTESY VISIT FROM NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

The Commissioner for Lands, Cross River State, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, has received members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Cross River State Chapter, who paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Lands.

The delegation comprised senior members and professionals of the Institute, including the State Chairman, Arch. Aloba Abiodun, FNIA; Head of Architectural Services, Ministry of Lands and Secretary of the NIA, Dr. Ebri Okon; Prof. Ekpenyong, described as one of the oldest architects in Cross River State; and the Head of the Department of Architecture, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Arc. Dr. Abuo Rose.

Also present was Arc. Linus Ovat, a former Head of the Architectural Department and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, who delivered the opening remarks and explained the purpose of the visit.

Arc. Ovat expressed excitement over the appointment of Dr. Erasmus Ekpang as Commissioner for Lands and commended Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu for what he described as a wise choice.

He stressed the importance of introducing smart-city concepts into the state’s urban development plans, noting that the rapid expansion of Calabar could eventually see neighbouring local government areas such as Odukpani and Akamkpa become increasingly integrated into the metropolitan area.

He called on the Ministry to pay greater attention to affordable and quality housing, sustainable building designs, improved public infrastructure and effective development control.

According to him, architecture should not be reduced to the drawing of building plans, stressing that professional architectural services cover the entire life cycle and functionality of a building.

He expressed concern over the patronage of unqualified practitioners, linking the involvement of non-accredited individuals in building projects to poor construction outcomes and building failures.

Arc. Ovat also recognised the presence of Prof. E.B. Itam, a member of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the statutory regulatory body responsible for the regulation of architectural practice in Nigeria.

He assured the Commissioner of the readiness of the NIA to collaborate with the Ministry under the administration’s “People First” mantra, particularly in strengthening the processes for the submission and approval of building plans.

The delegation appealed for improvements to the office of the Head of Architectural Services to give it a more befitting professional outlook. They also called for increased capacity building for personnel within the Architectural Department.

The NIA further advocated greater utilisation of indigenous professional manpower in the state, stronger enforcement of the use of qualified architects, and the digitalisation of land approval processes.

Responding, the Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, welcomed the NIA delegation and expressed appreciation to Arc. Linus Ovat, the veteran architects and professionals present, the Head of Architectural Services, members of the Institute, Directors of the Ministry and members of the press.

Dr. Ekpang acknowledged the critical role of architects in shaping sustainable communities and expressed his commitment to strengthening professional institutions and providing the necessary institutional support for qualified professionals to contribute meaningfully to the development of Cross River State.

He assured the NIA that the Institute would be fully involved in the Ministry’s plans and activities relating to the opening of new cities, layouts and towns, as well as other areas of physical development and land administration.

The Commissioner also sought the professional guidance and input of the architects, particularly in the development and implementation of the Ministry’s Geographic Information System (GIS).

“I will need your guide and professional input into our GIS system,” the Commissioner stated, while assuring the delegation of his openness to learning from experienced professionals and veterans in the field.

Dr. Ekpang further emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Ministry and the architectural profession in achieving effective land administration, proper physical planning and sustainable urban development.

As part of the visit, the NIA delegation presented site-inspection kits, including a safety helmet and reflective vest, to the Commissioner. Prof. E.B. Itam was invited by the NIA leadership to formally decorate the Commissioner with the items.

The visit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Secretary of the NIA, Dr. Ebri Okon, who appreciated the members of the Institute, the Directors and staff of the Ministry, and members of the press for their participation.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry and the professional body to reaffirm their commitment to partnership, professionalism, digital transformation and sustainable development in Cross River State.

E-Signed
Ekpang’s Media