The president of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and chairman of the council, Victor Alonge, has urged council members of the institution to take a keen interest in government policies that affect the practice of estate surveying and valuation in the country.
Alonge, who was recently elected as the 26th president of the institution, made this charge at the weekend in Abuja while addressing council members during its second statutory meeting.
Though the president noted that things were challenging, he, however, noted that the challenges were throwing up many opportunities within the sector, adding that as drivers of the economy, they could not afford to take a back seat.
According to him, “The world has moved on, the old order is crumbling fast, with new activities emerging.
“Nations are making giant strides, and expanding existing frontiers in science, technology, medicine, ICT, and other human endeavours.
“A complex and rapidly evolving business landscape we are, making our world marked by uncertainty, volatility, and deep transformational changes, such that organizations daily grapple with the need to initiate and review policies to navigate through and stay focused on achieving goals.
“As leaders, we must understand these dynamics, we must also understand that in times such as this, we must be proactive, strategic in thinking, take critical decisions, and cling to our convictions with an iron will.
“Otherwise, we would not be able to break grounds; we would not be able to dismantle huge inhibiting barriers to making wise decisions as circumstances change.”
Alonge said that the council must initiate strategies and develop the roadmap to delivering the aims and objectives of the institution, and review the same to respond to developments that are capable of affecting or enhancing our objectives.
“As leaders, we must inspire the power and energy to get things done.
“To that end, we need to challenge ourselves.
“Preparation is essential for productivity and successful outcomes.
“It is absolutely in order to come up with position papers or proposals on different areas of the profession for council consideration.
“That is how we can grow this profession for impact and relevance.”
The president called for inclusivity, team engagement, and participation, urging members to raise their level of enthusiasm and commitment toward achieving set goals.
Under his leadership, he said council sessions will be more focused, highly effective, more productive, more engaging, and ultimately produce more positive outcomes.
“Our role as drivers of economic development is not debatable, neither is it overstated. We would no longer operate from the back seat.
“Government policies have a direct impact on the dynamics of the real estate business, as well as playing a pivotal role in shaping societies and economies, by providing frameworks for regulation, service, and governance.
“Henceforth, we must play critical roles in influencing, formulation, and implementation of policies which have a direct bearing on our profession. That is a goal we must be fully committed to.
“We must do all we have to do, and with all influence, capability, and energy we can muster to make our profession great, acceptable, and known by all in Nigeria.
“We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Against this background, this council has huge responsibilities”, Alonge added.
