Honoring a Legacy and Embracing Sustainability
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has taken a significant step in recognizing the contributions of one of its most influential members by renaming its Abuja headquarters after Segun Ajanlekoko, a former president of the institute. This gesture is a tribute to his invaluable role in shaping the profession since its establishment in 1969.
In addition to the renaming, the institute also launched a 100kVA solar power project at the facility. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to adopting renewable energy and reducing its environmental impact.
During the ceremony held on Monday, Ajanlekoko expressed his gratitude for the recognition. He emphasized that the developments reflect the growth of the profession over the years. “As a young professional body, we were born in 1969, and today we have a building in Victoria Island, and now this one in Abuja. So, it is a testament to what professionals can do if they are committed like we, the Quantity surveyors, are,” he said.
Ajanlekoko also addressed concerns about recurring building collapses, clarifying that such incidents are not typically the result of quantity surveyors. “The major cause of collapsed buildings is not attributable to Quantity surveyors, because we are cost managers. The cause of collapsed buildings could be due to the appointment of a bad contractor, or an engineer who is not competent and has been given the assignment,” he explained.
He added that professionals in the built environment have formed a coalition known as the Building Collapse Professional Guild to help address the issue. This group aims to promote best practices and ensure safer construction standards across the industry.
The President of the institute, Aminu Bashir, highlighted the significance of the renaming decision. He stated that the National Executive Council approved the move to honor Ajanlekoko’s contributions. “Today marks the symbolic renaming of our head office to QS Segun Ajanlekoko House. He was the most illustrious son of the QS profession that has been exported out of this country,” he said.
Bashir also spoke about the solar power project, emphasizing its importance in reducing energy costs and the institute’s carbon footprint. “The cost of energy is rising, and we feel we must go green and also reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. So we initiated a multi-million Naira project which has been successfully completed to the glory of God, and today we commission it as a testament to our commitment to renewable energy,” he added.
Ademola Adebise, the chairman of the occasion, highlighted the critical role of quantity surveyors in ensuring cost discipline and transparency in infrastructure development. He praised the institute’s efforts in promoting professionalism and sustainability within the industry.
Key Highlights from the Ceremony
- The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors renamed its Abuja headquarters after Segun Ajanlekoko.
- A 100kVA solar power project was commissioned at the facility.
- Ajanlekoko emphasized the growth of the profession since 1969.
- He clarified that building collapses are often due to incompetent contractors or engineers, not quantity surveyors.
- A coalition called the Building Collapse Professional Guild was formed to address safety issues.
- The institute’s president, Aminu Bashir, highlighted the importance of the renaming and the solar project.
- Ademola Adebise underscored the role of quantity surveyors in infrastructure development.
