By Kingsley Adegboye

The Architects’ Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has been reconstituted and Arc. Dipo Ajayi, the immediate past President of ARCON re-elected as its President.

In his address at the inauguration of the reconstituted Council, Minister of Housing and Urban Development tasked with supervising the activities of ARCON, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, noted that the importance and critical nature of the Architectural profession to national development cannot be over emphasised.

According to the Minister, “Today, I am really delighted that we are finally here to formally inaugurate the newly constituted ARCON Council. Since ARCON was established in 1969 as a statutory body for regulating architecture in Nigeria, it has played a key role in shaping the development of the profession and the quality of architects and architectural output in Nigeria in line with the Act Establishing it.

“The Architects Registration Act Chapter A19, Laws of The Federation of Nigeria 2004, heralded by Decree Number 10 of 1969, mandates the Council to determine what standards of knowledge and skills persons seeking to become members of the architectural profession need to attain. The Act also empowers the Council to raise those standards from time to time as circumstances may permit.

“ARCON was created as a policy-making organ of government to help in promoting the development and growth of the Architectural profession in the country. This is because the Government recognised the need to regulate and maintain standards in the built environment, which is a major driver of economic growth.

“Today, you are all about to be inaugurated as members of the Council with the responsibility of defining the practice of Architecture in the country. I charge you to your nomination as a call to service. Each of you must strive in the conduct of this assignment to be selfless, professional, above board, and focused on the interest of the profession, the country and teeming Architects in our country.

“You should consider it an honor and privilege to be chosen out of many equally qualified and outstanding Architects to serve as a Council member. This distinction and your nomination come with high responsibility and you must be alive to the expectations of the Architectural profession and the trust bestowed upon you and be ready to contribute meaningfully towards policies that will promote and enshrine standards and quality in the housing sector”.

After the inauguration of the council, there was an election to elect principal officers of the Council.

Subsequently, Arc. (Sir) Dipo Àjàyí was re-elected as the President of the Council.

He defeated Arc. Kabiru Ibrahim, who was tipped by the Nigerian Institute of Architects to clinch the coveted seat.

Similarly, Arc. Mohammed Aminu Kani emerged the Vice President, having defeated Arc. Fatai Falola.

While the Registrar of the Council remains Arc. Umar Murnai, the Treasurer is Arc. Ugwuanyi Onyedikachi Odobuma.

In his inaugural speech, the re-elected ARCON President said “As we begin this new chapter in the journey of our noble profession, I am filled with immense gratitude and humility. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your unwavering support, understanding and trust.

“As we move forward together, I urge us all to embrace the spirit of cooperation, unity, and commitment. Let us celebrate our diversity and harness our collective strengths to elevate our profession and create a lasting impact.

“Let us work together to build a brighter future for architecture in Nigeria, where creativity thrives, innovation flourishes, and our contributions make a meaningful difference in the lives of our people.

“And to my teeming aspiring friends waiting to be registered, I want to assure you that I see your potential and I am committed to supporting your growth. As a Council, we recognize the challenges you face and are working tirelessly to create opportunities for your development and licensure. Keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, and know that your contributions will shape the future of our profession.

“To the newly inaugurated members of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, I charge you to remember that our success is inextricably linked to our ability to work together towards a common goal. Let us stand united, support one another, and strive for excellence in all we do”, Ajayi appealed.