WHEN ARCHITECTS GATHERED – The Benue State Edition.

 

Recently, the agrarian state located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, popularly referred to as “The Food Basket of the Nation” due to its prodigious production of food crops played host to different cadres of architects from all parts the country and other neighbouring countries including the Niger Republic. And no, it wasn’t a conference to discuss food security or any such related issue! This time it was the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) which held from the 22^nd – 27^th of November in Markurdi, the state capital of Benue State.  

 

The event which was part of activities to mark the platinum celebration of the Institute had as its theme – NIA, Past, Present, Future Possibilities. Declaring the conference open, the State Governor, Samuel Ortom promised to domesticate the National Building Code, a move which he expressed confidence would curb the incessant cases of building collapse and also eliminate quackery among architects. In his opening address, the President of the NIA, Arc. Sony Echono emphasized his tenure’s resolve to focus on the core tenets of the Business and Practice of Architecture, globally and locally, The Architect as a Person as well as the Design Process of Buildings. He also expressed delight at the State Government’s readiness to domesticate the National Building Code viewing this as a step in the right direction towards the prudent usage of the resources of the owner of building project. Another view expressed about the Governor’s speech included the increased participation of professionals in the building industry leading to the improved quality of the built environment.

The meeting was not only confined to conferences and syndicated sessions. Culture also took centre stage during the line-up of activities. The event also saw the energetic and vibrant display from the Benue cultural troupe who held the audience spellbound with their well-choreographed set pieces complete with jaw dropping props such as pots of fire precariously balanced on dancers’ heads, swords, and even some big reptile to boot! Prominent members of the Institute were decorated with the traditional trademark stripped attire of the state consisting of a wrapper and head cap or head tie for the women. In addition to the attire, the President received a special staff which according to the Deputy Governor was for protection as well as a hand sewn leather satchel. The presentations were made by the Deputy Governor during the dinner ceremony hosted at the Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House.