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Minister Blames Incessant Building Collapse On Indiscipline
The minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Mamora, has blamed the incessant building collapse in the country on indiscipline among building professionals.
The minister spoke, yesterday, at special seminar on building collapse, with the theme, “Review of Building Collapse in Nigeria, A Critical Outlook and The Way Forward”, organised by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NBRRI in Abuja.
He said there is humungous level of indiscipline across board in the system, which must be addressed to end the unfortunate development in the country.
For him, the nation cannot develop under indiscipline and called on all professionals in the building sector to go beyond laws by applying their professional ethics where members default to deter others from the strong things.
“We must address indiscipline among professionals in the building sector. The easiest thing to do is to make law; it is the implementation that is difficult. Because of incessant building collapse, our professional builders must rise up to their duties. It is the duty of various professional bodies to ensure their defaulting members are punished.”
Adeleke, who commended NIBRRI for consistently organising educative and informative forum on building collapse for stakeholders in the road and built-environment construction, the academia, Research Institutes, Professional bodies, Industry and Government called for increased funding for research and development to move the nation from resource to knowledge-based economy.
He urged NBRRI not to rest on its oars but strive more towards addressing other critical issues that are begging for solution in the road and building sectors of the Nigerian economy, assuring that the ministry as a parent ministry of NBRRI will continue to support the Institute towards achieving its vision, mission and mandates which are designed to make it a research centre of global repute and standard.
Earlier in his address, the board Chairman of NIBRRI, EzeUcheEgenti, emphasised the need for more support for NIBBRI to reposition the agency and enhance qualitative research that was needed in the Built and Road sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
He also called on Federal Government to continue to provide adequate funding to NBRRI in order for Research and Development to strive which will in turn add to the growth and development of the country.
“Permit me to state here that the NBRRI Governing Board has been working hand in hand with the management of NBRRI towards realising the vision and mission of the Institute.
“On our part, the Governing Board will continue to support the Institute especially the management towards meeting its set goals and the general aspiration of the public,” he added.
In his lead paper, titled: Evaluation of Building Collapse Incidences in Nigeria from 2012 – 2021, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna, said, “it is shame for professionals to allow buildings collapse due to human errors”.
The DG, who blamed building collapse on corruption, listed some of key causes if building collapse as: use of sub-standard materials, poor workmanship, poor supervision, absence if professionals, lack of proper topography and inadequate designs.
To avert further building collapse in the country, he called for compulsory adoption of integrity test on every building, regular supervision, regulation of practitioners and elimination of quacks.
He also called for punishment of defaulters by professional members and the state.
He, however, charged participants to come up with resolutions that will stem the tide of building collapse in Nigeria.
NBRRI put together the seminar to address issues on building collapse in the country with a view to strategically move the industry forward by bringing together researchers, scientists, academician, relevant stakeholders and experienced experts from within Nigeria to collectively discuss and brainstorm on causes and effects building collapse.
It is expected that at the end of the summit, there will be definite and implementable resolutions which will ensure that the aim and objectives of the seminar is achieved.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol