Crusoe Osagie
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Nigeria chapter has formally inaugurated her newly elected Executive Council members at a recent ceremony in Lagos.
At the event, facility managers were charged to rise to a new level of reasoning and foster increased development in the discharge of their duties as they tap into the enormous economic opportunities available in Nigeria.
The event which was tagged Celebrating FM, also had a lecture titled “Utilizing FM to Unlock the Economic Opportunities in the Built Environment”. The lecture was delivered by The Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof. Timothy Nubi.
In his opening remarks, the immediate Past President of the Association, Mr. Olatunji Okesola, highlighted some of the achievements of his administration. He disclosed that the milestone he achieved came despite the current economic recession in Nigeria. He revealed his personal conviction that the more challenges grow in our environment, the greater the economic opportunities therein for all. “What FM does is to proffer real life solutions to every challenge that might hinder our best living” he stressed.
Okesola also added that Nigeria has the potentials of becoming one of the greatest countries of the World if she properly harnesses and judiciously explores her enormous natural and human resources for the good of her citizens. “Nigerians have no business being jobless and or poor. You will agree with me that our profession – Facility Management is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation agenda towards the greatness of our economy and by extension, the greatness of our dear Nation” he explained.
The new president, Mr. Pius Iwundu, in his acceptance speech, said that the new Council will continue to be consultative in discharging its duties as suggestion and opinion of members will be considered.
Iwundu added that, as facility managers, the integration of people, place, process and technology will be the major focus of his administration to ensure the functionality of the built environment.
IFMA was established in Nigeria in 1995 by a group of well-meaning professionals who subscribed to the cliché of courageous leadership to achieve premium quality performance in diverse areas. The aim of these multi-disciplined professionals from international institutions like Mobil and Chevron was to establish international standard of facility management and quality maintenance of structures in Nigeria.
