As facility managers in the country recently marked this year’s ‘World Facility Management Day,’ operators have called for synergy among players in the sector towards achieving an excellent built environment.
The event which took place in Lagos, had as its theme: “Celebrating FM: Standing tall beyond the Pandemic.”
Addressing stakeholders at the celebration, the President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Nigerian Chapter, Mr. Segun Adebayo said the event in line with the global practice sought to recognise and celebrate the vital work that facility managers across the world, adding that it has contributed to different industries during the pandemic and even now that we are gradually winning the war against COVID-19.
He states further that IFMA would continue to map out critical paths towards a better operating environment, as members are determined to achieve a sustainable and forward-thinking industry through capacity building, knowledge development and research.
According to him “For us in IFMA, Nigeria Chapter, we are celebrating the day with a strong sense of commitment towards improved health and safety in the built environment, effective activation of business continuity and emergency preparedness.
“While we will continue to map out our critical path towards a better operating environment, we are also determined to achieve a sustainable and forward-thinking industry through capacity building, knowledge development, research and development.”
The President noted that between the last celebration and this year, the body has been able to deepen its advocacy commitment through its knowledge-sharing session series.
“In line with our renewed purpose as a pioneer and foremost professional association in facility management with global affiliation and in commemoration of 2021 World FM day, we shall be formally commencing our Mentorship Development Initiative (MDI) with twenty-four mentees from different background today.
“In line with IFMA renewed purpose as a pioneer and foremost professional association in facility management with global affiliation,” Adebayo added.
In his contribution, Head of Retail and Consumer Banking at Sterling Bank and keynote speaker at the event, Shina Atilola, said digitisation and COVID-19 fast-tracked the need for players in the built environment to capitalise on the emerging environment.
According to him, the pandemic provided an opportunity to change the narrative, hence facility managers must be proactive.
In his speech, the special guest of honour and Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos chapter, David Lola Majekodunmi, advised facility management practitioners to create a trust fund and invest more in research towards encouraging young Nigerians to be a part of the sector.
He also urged all professionals within the built environment to collaborate effectively with facility managers and get them involved from the predesign stage of Construction.
Majekodunmi said local content should be embraced by players in facility management and the built environment in Nigeria. He equally called for collaboration with other professional associations in the built environment.
“We are trying to make good rules for Lagos State, in terms of physical planning and urban development, we succeeded in changing or reviewing the law, in 2010.
“However, there was a new physical planning law, but as I stand here today I can say there are over 5000 laws in Lagos State and Zero enforcement,” he added.
The Chairman also expressed disappointment about the National Building code which was drafted 36 years ago but has not been approved to date.
