NIOB Anambra Commissions New Secretariat in Awka, Sets Sights on Stronger Professional Practice

By Ukpa Ewa

The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has commissioned a new secretariat office in Awka, a move aimed at strengthening professional coordination, member engagement and the administration of building practice across the state.

The new facility, located at the Ebere Ofumeamaka Okeke Federal Secretariat Complex, Awka, was formally commissioned by the immediate past Chairman of the chapter, Bldr. Kingsley Nweke, who also dedicated the facility to God.

Speaking at the commissioning, Nweke expressed optimism that the new office would provide a stronger institutional base for the chapter while promoting unity, professional development and growth among builders in Anambra State.

The development marks a significant step in the chapter’s efforts to improve its operational capacity and provide members with a more accessible platform for professional activities.

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) is the professional body representing builders in Nigeria. The institute promotes professionalism, competence and ethical standards in building construction while supporting the development of qualified professionals responsible for delivering safe, durable and quality buildings.

Speaking during the event, the current Anambra State Chairman of NIOB, Bldr. Ikenna Okpalla, said the new secretariat would serve as the chapter’s central operational base and create a more structured environment for members to participate in professional activities.

“The new secretariat will provide a central operational base for the chapter and a more structured platform for members to engage in professional activities,” Okpalla said.

He disclosed that the facility would also function as a joint liaison office for the NIOB Anambra State Chapter and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON).

According to Okpalla, the office would be open from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., to improve accessibility and facilitate the coordination of professional activities.

The NIOB chairman further stressed the importance of builders to the construction industry, noting that their professional responsibilities extend across the planning, coordination, supervision and management of building projects.

He said the involvement of competent builders was essential to ensuring that construction works comply with required professional, technical and safety standards.

Looking ahead, Okpalla announced tentative plans for the 2026 Anambra State Chapter Annual General Meeting (AGM) to hold in Awka in October.

He urged members to work collectively toward ensuring a successful and well-organised AGM and other chapter programmes before the end of the year.

Members at the event also reviewed the outcome of the recent NIOB Annual General Meeting held in Abuja.

In her contribution, Bldr. Chiamaka Obiora commended the success of the national gathering despite some logistical challenges. She encouraged members to sustain the momentum and channel the experience toward strengthening forthcoming activities at the state level.

The meeting also featured the adoption of the minutes of the previous chapter meeting, presented by the Chapter Secretary, Bldr. Paul Nnanani.

Members subsequently deliberated on issues relating to the growth, administration and effective functioning of the professional body in Anambra State.

With the commissioning of the new secretariat, the NIOB Anambra State Chapter is expected to have a more permanent platform for professional coordination, member engagement, institutional liaison and the advancement of building practice across the state.

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