Bennett Oghifo
In a historic moment for the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the Kaduna State Chapter has officially appointed QS Bukola Aluko-Olokun as its first-ever Chairwoman. This significant milestone marks her as the 16th Chairperson of the organization, succeeding QS Al-hassan Magaji FNIQS. The induction ceremony for the 2024-2026 Senate was held recently at the ASAA Pyramid Hotels in Kaduna.
In her inaugural address, QS Bukola Aluko-Olokun reflected on the traditionally male-dominated leadership of this Chapter. “It is well-known that the leadership within this Chapter has historically been male-dominated. Yet, recent changes signal a commitment to gender inclusivity, and I am honored to take on this role as a beacon of hope for my female colleagues both within this chapter and beyond,” she stated. Expressing her gratitude, she added, “Today, we are making history in the Kaduna Chapter. I stand before this distinguished gathering with humility and profound appreciation to God for this opportunity. I am grateful to my colleagues for trusting me and my Senate with the stewardship of this esteemed chapter for the next two years. Together, we will strive for excellence.”
Touching on the challenges ahead, she highlighted their chosen theme: “Fostering Innovation: Aligning Entrepreneurship Skills and Quantity Surveying for Career Development.” She explained, “This theme has been carefully crafted to ensure our members are equipped with insights that integrate entrepreneurship with quantity surveying practice. We are particularly focused on young Quantity Surveyors, who represent the future of our profession and must thrive amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.”
Acknowledging the need for synergy between their initiatives and the broader objectives of NIQS, she emphasized the importance of empowering young professionals with additional skills beyond quantity surveying, especially in mechanical and electrical fields. “This is crucial for diversifying their income streams, ultimately enhancing their capacity as independent contractors within the construction industry—a key step for sustained growth.”
She also highlighted plans for capacity building through collaborations with national bodies, offering training on software and emerging trends to keep members at the forefront of innovation. “We believe that enhancing our knowledge of these tools is essential for improving the productivity of our quantity surveying services.”
QS Aluko-Olokun underscored the importance of collaboration with the Kaduna State Government and its agencies while focusing on soft skills development through quarterly seminars and ongoing professional development opportunities. She expressed her desire to elevate the Chapter’s visibility and outreach through advocacy efforts in educational institutions and more.
While laying out these key objectives, she affirmed the importance of engaging with senior colleagues to benefit from their experience and guidance. QS Aluko-Olokun also took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of former chairpersons, NIQS President QS Kene Nzekwe, and other prominent figures for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
In her message of gratitude, she thanked her husband, children, friends, colleagues, and various corporate bodies for their support in making the event a success.
Following her address, NIQS President QS Kene C. Nzekwe, FNIQS, addressed the audience, emphasizing the core values of the profession. “Quantity Surveyors are trained professionals who manage project costs and procurement from inception to maintenance across all sectors, playing a vital role in promoting sustainable development,” he stated. He highlighted the importance of ethical practices, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the construction industry.
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Bennett Oghifo
In a recent announcement, ESV Olalekan Akinwunmi, President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter, underscored the crucial role of sustainable facility management in connecting people, the environment, and the economy.
“Facility management fundamentally revolves around people, the environment, and the economy. Without a safe environment, economic activities cannot thrive,” Akinwunmi remarked during a colloquium organized by IFMA Nigeria in partnership with Big 5 Construct Nigeria on September 25, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre. The event focused on safety as a cornerstone of sustainable facility management, bringing together key stakeholders from the built environment.
Dr. Lanre Omojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), echoed the importance of safety in achieving sustainable facility management. He urged for proactive identification and resolution of safety issues to avert potential disasters that could threaten facilities.
“IFMA Nigeria has consistently championed sustainable facility management for over 27 years, advocating for safety measures from the beginning of building projects,” he noted, highlighting the organization’s commitment to community safety amid increasing urbanization.
“The Safety Commission was established to ensure safety in this densely populated state, approaching this systematically by considering various sectors within the built environment to protect our community of approximately 24 million people,” he explained. “Our mission involves saving lives and preventing accidents that can lead to serious injuries or disabilities through comprehensive risk evaluation, community engagement, education, and regulatory enforcement.”
Modupe Odude, Managing Director of Benign Spaces, also contributed to the discussion on “The Role of Technology in Sustainable Facility Management,” emphasizing the significant impact of technology throughout a building’s lifecycle. “Stakeholders are increasingly leveraging technology for real-time data collection that enhances facility management,” she explained.
Sharing her insights on technological advancements, she stated, “With new software, we can proactively manage various systems within buildings, ensuring any issues are flagged and addressed promptly. The growing adoption of technology reflects a supportive policy environment that fosters improvement in facility management practices.”
Other notable speakers at the event included Ms. Iyabode Aboaba, COO of Freedom Park; ESV Stephen Ola Jagun, Managing Partner of Jagun Associates; and Mr. Segun Adebayo, Immediate Past President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter.