News
Professional Bodies Blame Collapsed Building On Quackery
Some professional bodies in building construction have attributed the collapse of the seven storey building in Port Harcourt recently to the use of inexperienced professionals to handle the construction of the collapsed building.
This was the position expressed by leadership of Nigeria Institute of Architecture, Nigeria institute of building as well as Town Planners Council of Nigeria who made separate presentations to the Commission of Inquiry charged with the responsibility of investigating the remote and immediate cause of the collapsed seven storey building on the resumed hearing after new year break in Port Harcourt, taking the lead on the witness box Tamunoene Abam-Kingdom who is the President of Nigeria Association for Engineering, Geology and Environment in his submissions presented a memorandum to the commission which included all his Associations submission.
Reading out the memorandum on behalf of his Association, Abam-Kingdom said the collapse would have been totally avoidable if the right Geo-technical test was done and strictly adhered to just as he denied any link to the collapsed building.
On his part, a member of Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Professor King Nyenke, who doubles as a lecturer at the Department of Quantity Surveyor, Rivers State University insisted that the building collapse was caused by compromise and poor quality materials used by the owner and the team that carried out the construction work.
Professor Nyenke who raised a nine questions to the commission to determined whether the right and qualified engineers were engaged for the construction, urged the commission to ensure that the law takes it course.
In his own witness, the Chairman, Nigeria Institution of Architecture, Rivers State Chapter, Architect Asumbe Egbuonu, during a cross examination identified the Architect who handled the collapsed building as a trainee who lacked the required professional skill to handle such huge building.
Architect Egbuonu, however, faulted the claims that the design of the collapsed building was seven storey, noting that addition of the pilling floor and basement makes the building nine floors.
The architect called on building developers to always consider involving professionals in their project which he said would help save lives and property.
Also, a representative of Nigeria Town Planners Registration Council in Rivers State, Professor Opuenebo Binya-Owei attributed the cause of the collapse to non- implementation and enforcement of Town Planners Law which she said, would help to marshal out an administrative frame work in terms of development.
Akujobi Amadi
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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