Ibadan – Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said on Tuesday that skills development of construction workers should be given utmost priority to put an end to building collapse in the country.
Ajimobi stated this at the 45th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building held in Ibadan.
“The death of 67 South African Nationals in the building collapse of Synagogue Church of All Nations has put the integrity and expertise of Nigerian builders to test,’’ he said.
He decried cases of collapsed building in the country, stressing that it was unimaginable that a country blessed with great potential could experience such a magnitude of building collapse
Ajimobi said the state would continue to provide an enabling environment for the institute and other stakeholders in ensuring structurally stable and risk free buildings.
Also, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, in his remark, called for strict compliance to building rules and regulations to ensure a safe and beautiful environment.
Aregbesola commended the organisers of the conference for recognising him in spite the barrage of criticism arising for the non-payment of salaries in the state.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, and the former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, said the Nigeria institute of buildings was of great relevance in day -to- day activities of human beings.
“The society cannot do without them,” they said.
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The Dons urged the builders to call to question the suitability of any structure that was not properly supervised by professionals.
Both Ajimobi and Aregbesola were awarded with Honorary Fellowship of the institute. (NAN)