Babatunde Fashola, minister for power, works and housing, Governors Kayode Fayemi and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Ekiti and Gombe states respectively, are among several dignitaries expected in this year’s edition of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) annual forum, also called Architects’ Colloquium.
Winifred Oyo-Ita, Head of the civil service of the federation is also expected as a guest of honour at the colloquium already slated for Wednesday, April 24 and Friday, April 26, 2019. But the opening ceremony where the dignitaries would feature shall be on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Architecture and the National Development Agenda XII’ and, according to Jimoh Faworaja, former president of ARCON and Director of Colloquium, this year’s event is laced with current topical issues in the construction industry.
He assured that all participants, including professionals in the building industry, research institutions, educators, agencies responsible for housing and developmental control, students, exhibitors and the public would have a lot to learn.
Sub-themes, he explained, would include reworking past architecture, collapsed building, contemporary issues in architecture and sustainability with energy efficiency in buildings.
The director added that, the professional AQ Class 19 will be running professional classes in four subject areas including the Public Procurement Act within the framework of procurement planning process; expression of interest and the procurement of consultancy services; goods and services.
Other areas include the essence and benefits of the Presidential Order 05; Discrimination against persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2018 – The responsibility of the architects; Current Trends in Glass and Glazing Technology – Key Insights For Today’s Technology; And the benefits of an in-building solution or neutral DAS solution as a reliable and innovative solution to poor coverage inside high rise buildings.
Also, there are plans to have a session with the prospective registered architects with a view to increasing the number of registered architects in Nigeria.
The organizers have stated that participants, which include all registered members of ARCON should confirm their attendance at the class and register accordingly.
It is expected to provide a platform for the participants to relate with other professionals, statutory bodies and stakeholders and other vital benefits.
Dipo Ajayi, ARCON president said this year’s Colloquium, is compelling, as it would create avenue to interact professionally, discuss and dialogue specifically on architecture, built environment, national development and related issues.
CHUKA UROKO
