… Seeks Partnership with AKSG, Sets to Build Her Secretariat

Posted by Ubong ASSAM Jnr, Lagos

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) on Sunday held its annual thanksgiving service at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Bennet Bassey Street, Uyo.

The well-attended event was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Arc Edidiong Ukpong, Ph.D, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the NIA, led the congregation in thanking God for His blessings and protection throughout the year.

In his remarks, Arc Ukpong, Ph.D, expressed gratitude to God for keeping members of the Institute safe and sound in the past year and bringing them successfully into 2025. He also prayed for an increase in the numerical strength of members, as well as continued guidance, prosperity and protection in the years ahead.

Speaking with newsmen, the Ibiono Ibom-born architect revealed that the annual thanksgiving service is a tradition of the NIA Akwa Ibom Chapter, aimed at appreciating God’s blessings and mercy.

Arc Ukpong, Ph.D, also called for a stronger partnership between the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Akwa Ibom State Government.

He emphasized the need for collaboration in areas such as building and urban design, infrastructure development, building regulation and project monitoring and supervision.

"We believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable, healthy and livable environment for the people of Akwa Ibom State in line with the ARISE Agenda of the current administration" Arc Ukpong, Ph.D, said.

He also highlighted the importance of involving architects in the planning and development process, stating that their expertise ensures buildings and infrastructure projects are designed and constructed with safety, functionality, and aesthetics in mind.

The state chairman further announced plans to build a state-of-the-art secretariat in Uyo, the state capital, to be known as "Architects’ House." He revealed that the secretariat will serve as a hub for architects in the state, providing a space for meetings, training, and collaboration.

"The secretariat will be a symbol of our commitment to the development of the architecture profession in Akwa Ibom State," Arc Ukpong, Ph.D, said.

The project, according to him, is expected to commence soon on the NIA Akwa Ibom State’s plot of land at Banking Layout, off Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.

The construction of the secretariat is a significant milestone for the NIA Akwa Ibom Chapter and is expected to enhance the chapter’s ability to serve its members and contribute to the development of the state.

In his sermon, Rev. Father Emmanuel Ating, drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:1, emphasized the theme "So We Preach and So You Believed." He encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith, just as architects remain committed to their profession.

Rev. Father Ating stressed the importance of spreading the message of God’s love and salvation, just as architects design and build structures that bring comfort and shelter to humanity. He urged architects to continue preaching the gospel through their profession, using their skills to make a positive impact on society.

The congregation was deeply inspired by Rev. Father Ating’s message, and the event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to serving God and humanity.

The thanksgiving service featured prayers, hymns, and a sermon, and was attended by top officials of the chapter, as well as other stakeholders in the architecture profession.

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