The Nigeria chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has stated its commitment to provide leadership and direction in the built environment through innovative initiatives that include the use of technology, specialised trainings and strategic collaboration. This, it believed, would translate to the actualisation of a transformative future in the sector.
While addressing stakeholders and other guests at the silver jubilee celebration of the Nigeria chapter, its President, Mr Segun Adebayo once again applauded the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and its Minister, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN for his commitment, which led to the assent of Executive Order 11 on National Public Buildings Maintenance by President Muhammadu Buhari last month.
“The effort of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on this laudable achievement has indeed renewed our hope of providing professional attention to the country’s numerous facilities and her growing infrastructure. In fact, with this feat, I am delighted to say that maintenance culture has fully resurrected in our nation”, Adebayo further said.
The event, which coincided with the World Facility Management Day, attracted distinguished professionals from the construction industry, real estate and the facility management sector, among others. They included the General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Ms. Nike Adekanbi; Group Managing Director/CEO, Alpha Mead Group, Engr Femi Akintunde; Dean of Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof. Modupe Omirin; and the Director Federal Public Asset Maintenance in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Arc. Tina Onokwai, and other members of the association.
According to him, the theme of the event – “Leading a Sustainable Future” – validated the leadership of the association in the industry and confirmed it as forward-thinking. “This, you can see in our endless advocacy and strategic collaborations with credible public and private institutions”, he added.
Fashola, who was the keynote speaker, reiterated the relevance of facility management.
“It is important to mention that facility management is a very expansive area of human activity that involves a diversity of skills whose impact will remain with us for a long time”, the Minister said through his representative.
He acknowledged the work of Adekanbi in ensuring that LASIAMA’s goals are fulfilled and on track.
The Minister admonished the private sector to take ownership and responsibility of facility management because, according to him, the private sector accounts for the majority of buildings and infrastructure the country.
Five students each from the Government Technical Colleges in Ikotun, Ikorodu, Epe and Agidingbi were equipped with toolboxes, safety jackets and safety helmets as their disciplines of learning fall within facility management. Some industry operators at the event also assured the beneficiaries of employment upon completion of their education.
IFMA Nigeria was founded in 1995 by a special group of professionals drawn across the industries within the built environment, which include Architects, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers and Builders, all with a burning desire to provide Nigeria with the opportunity of developing a maintenance culture that will shape the future of the country.
The association, in collaboration with University of Lagos, has pioneered a professional Master’s degree programme in Facility Management.
