The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter has marked its 25th anniversary at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The event coincided with World Facility Management Day.
At the event 25 students were empowered with toolboxes, safety jackets and safety helmets as their discipline of learning falls within facility management. They were also promised employment upon completion of their education by some industry operators who attended the event.
President of IFMA, Nigeria Chapter, Segun Adebayo, applauded Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, for a commendable job in ensuring the assent of Executive order 11 on National Public Buildings Maintenance.
“The effort of the Ministry of Works and Housing on this laudable achievement has indeed renewed our hope of providing professional attention to the country’s numerous facilities and her growing infrastructure. With this feat, I am delighted to say that maintenance culture has fully resurrected in our nation,” Adebayo said.
He said the association was ready to continue to provide leadership and direction in the built environment through innovative initiatives, use of technology, specialised trainings and strategic collaboration that translate to the actualisation of a transformative future in the built environment.
Adebayo urged members to be steadfast in the practice of facility management in order to lead a sustainable future.
Fashola said facility management is a very expansive area of human activity that involves a diversity of skills whose impact will remain for a long time.
He acknowledged the work of General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency, Ms Nike Adekanbi in ensuring the goals of agency are fulfilled and on track.
He implored the private sector to take ownership and responsibility of facility management because they account for the majority of buildings and infrastructure in the country.