By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), has inaugurated Chief Sir Raph Nwike as its new chairman.
Nwike takes over from Dr
Ulasi Okwuchukwu Joachin the immediate past chairman of the association and the current State Director of National Population Commission (NPC).
The Chapter also inaugurated other new set of executive council members who will serve the association for a period of two years.
It was gathered that the inauguration took place during the Association’s 2024 Professional Summit/Investiture with the Theme; “The need for government of Anambra to take proactive measures to eradicate the incident of building collapse in the state”.
Sir Nwike, in his acceptance speech, said the new executive under his watch will promote cooperation among the professional bodies for social, ethnical and economic emancipation of Anambra State in particular and Nigeria at large, make APBN play active and visible role in the evolution of good governance in Anambra State, promote unity and networking among member bodies, bring the artisans and craftsman under the umbrella of APBN as to ensure proper utilization of their skills by the professionals and government in service delivery as well as to create public works platform for recruitment/engagement of qualified and registered artisans/craftsman for execution of private and government project.
The Chairman urged the state government to synergize with the professionals under the umbrella of APBN in the execution of development project to ensure sustainability.
He also appeal to the state government to assist the association with a functional service vehicle and allocation of at least two plots of land for building of APBN permanent secretariat in the state.
Nwike noted that the newly inaugurated executive council members were respected professionals, who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
In his brief remark, the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo who was represented at the event by the Permanent secretary (Office of the Secretary to the Government), Mr Nwabufo Nwankwo promised to partner fully with the association to eradicate completely the incidents of building collapse in the state.
In his remark, the APBN President, Ismailia Muhammdu Zakari, represented by the National Secretary, Engr Dr. Sunny Emeka Ali, urged the new executive council members to be committed to uphold the objectives and values of APBN and also to work towards promoting the interests of all professional bodies in Anambra State.
He also charge them to partner with the state government to curb the activities building collapse and quackery in the state.
In their separate lectures, the guest speakers, Arc Okechukwu Innocent Ezeobi, Engr Prof Alkaolisa Celestine Ezeagu and Bldr. Kenneth Nnabuife Nduka, argued that the incidents of building collapse will continue to unfold until governance and ethical standards are followed.
The event that featured award presentation to deserving members of the association, was also attended by the State Chairman of COREN, Chief Engr Victor Meju, delegate from Ossisoma Foundation lead by Hon Ben Obidigbo and representatives from all the 32 bodies that constitute the Association in the state.