Bennett Oghifo
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors’ Kaduna State Chapter has formally appointed QS Bukola Aluko-Olokun as its first-ever Chairwoman. This milestone marks QS Bukola Aluko-Olokun’s induction as the 16th leader of the chapter, succeeding QS Al-hassan Magaji FNIQS. The investiture and induction ceremony for the 2024-2026 Senate took place recently at ASAA Pyramid Hotels in Kaduna.
During her inaugural address, QS Aluko-Olokun highlighted the historical male dominance in the chapter’s leadership, stating, “It is indeed quite apparent and on record that the leadership of this Chapter has solely been male-driven over the years. However, the Chapter has demonstrated its willingness to be gender-inclusive and has proactively explored the opportunities that exist for women. My decision to lead is to serve as a beacon of hope for my female colleagues, both within this chapter and in similar organizations.”
She continued, “Today, history is made in the Kaduna Chapter. It is with deep humility and immense gratitude to God that I stand before you as the first female Chairperson. I am thankful to God for this divine opportunity and to my colleagues for the privilege of leading this esteemed chapter for the next two years. By the grace of God, I reaffirm our commitment to elevate the Kaduna State Chapter of the NIQS.”
Addressing the responsibilities ahead, she noted the importance of keeping members informed about industry trends, explaining that the theme of the investiture, “Fostering Innovation: Aligning Entrepreneurship Skills and Quantity Surveying for Career Development,” was intentionally chosen to foster impactful learning in aligning entrepreneurship with quantity surveying practices.
“This initiative is especially aimed at young quantity surveyors, who are the future of our profession and need to develop sustainable livelihoods during these challenging economic times in Nigeria,” she emphasized.
As one of the leading chapters of the Institute, she reiterated the necessity for their activities to align with the broader NIQS programs. “In line with the NIQS President’s plans, this tenure will focus on empowering young quantity surveyors to acquire additional skills beyond their primary practice, particularly in Mechanical, Electrical, and other relevant fields. The objective is to broaden their horizons, encourage diversification, and enhance their income potential, enabling them to become independent contractors in these sectors. This strategy is vital for the construction industry’s sustained growth and long-term success.”
She also prioritized capacity building and competencies through collaborations with national bodies to provide robust training on new software and emerging trends in the construction landscape, emphasizing that knowledge in these areas is essential for boosting productivity in quantity surveying services.
Furthermore, she expressed the intention to enhance visibility and advocacy for quantity surveying by engaging with educational institutions and increasing member participation in continuous professional development programs.
While acknowledging the contributions of past leaders and the ongoing support from the NIQS President, QS Kene Nzekwe, she extended heartfelt gratitude to her mentor, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, and her family for their unwavering encouragement.
During the event, NIQS President QS Kene C. Nzekwe emphasized the core values of the quantity surveying profession, underscoring their crucial role in effective cost management and ethical practices within the construction industry.
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In a related gathering, ESV Olalekan Akinwunmi, the President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter, underscored the significance of sustainable facility management as intertwined with people, the environment, and the economy. He remarked, “If the environment is not safe, then economic activities cannot thrive.”
His comments came during a colloquium organized by IFMA Nigeria in collaboration with the Big 5 Construct Nigeria, where stakeholders gathered to discuss safety’s vital role in sustainable facility management.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Dr. Lanre Omojola, stressed that safety must be prioritized to ensure sustainable facility management. He noted the Commission’s ongoing efforts to mitigate safety issues before they escalate into disasters.
Dr. Omojola shared, “IFMA Nigeria has been advocating for sustainable facility management for over 27 years, creating awareness about safety from the very beginning of construction projects.”
In her remarks, Modupe Odude, MD of Benign Space, highlighted the impact of technology on sustainable facility management. She discussed how advancements allow for real-time data collection and better management of facilities, leading to greater safety and efficacy in operations.
The event featured insightful discussions from various industry leaders, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to ensure safety and sustainability within the built environment. Other speakers included Ms. Iyabode Aboaba, COO of Freedom Park, and ESV Stephen Ola Jagun, Managing Partner of Jagun Associates, among others.
