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Bukola Aluko-Olokun Becomes First Chairwoman of NIQS Kaduna Chapter
Bennett Oghifo
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Kaduna State Chapter has made history with the investiture of QS Bukola Aluko-Olokun as its first Chairwoman.
Thus, QS Bukola Aluko-Olokun is now the 16th Chairperson of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Kaduna State Chapter. She took over from the 15th Chairman of the Chapter, QS Al-hassan Magaji FNIQS. The investiture and induction ceremony of the 2024-2026 Senate, held at ASAA Pyramid Hotels, Kaduna, recently.
In her inaugural speech at the event, she said, “It is indeed quite apparent and on record that the leadership of this Chapter has solely been male driven over the years. However, the Chapter has demonstrated its willingness to be gender inclusive in its approach and has shown its proactive nature in exploring the possibilities that abound in the female gender. My taking up this opportunity to lead the Chapter is because it will serve as a beacon of hope to my female colleagues within the chapter and other similar Chapters.
“Today history is made in the Kaduna Chapter. Therefore, it is with a deep sense of humility and immense gratitude to God that I stand here before this distinguished gathering as the first female Chairperson of this great chapter. I want to thank God for this divine opportunity and my colleagues for the great privilege given to me and my Senate to steer the affairs of this noble chapter for the next two years. By the grace of God Almighty, and on behalf of my Senate, I reiterate our commitment to serve and to lead the Kaduna State Chapter of the NIQS to higher grounds.”
She said, “Being fully conscious of the responsibilities and task ahead of this new Senate, and in the bid to ensure that our members are up to date with the current trends within the construction industry, the theme of this Investiture i.e. ‘Fostering Innovation: Aligning Entrepreneurship Skills and Quantity Surveying for Career Development’ has been carefully selected and designed for an impactful learning of areas where entrepreneurship skills can be aligned with the practice of quantity surveying.
“This is specifically targeted at the young Quantity Surveyors because they are the future of this profession and they need to be able to eke out a living during these turbulent economic crises that we are currently experiencing in Nigeria.
“As one of the leading Chapters of the Institute, there is always the need for her activities to be in synergy with the NIQS programs as a whole. Therefore, in line with the NIQS Presidents plans and programmes for the Institute that is deeply rooted on the principles of integrity and continuous improvement, this tenure shall also focus on the following programmes: Encourage and Empower Young Quantity Surveyors to acquire additional skills apart from Quantity Surveying practice especially in the Mechanical, Electrical and other relevant fields of endeavor. The aim is to widen their horizon, encourage diversification and enhance their income to become independent contractors in such fields. This move is strategic and very imperative for the construction industry’s sustained growth. It will enable the industry to position itself for excellence, sustainability, and long-term success.
Capacity Building and Competencies in the form of effective collaboration with other national bodies of the Institute for programmes such as software training on new, innovative and emerging trends within the construction industry. The programme will be designed for a more impactful learning and hands-on training on emerging software that are prevalent in the construction environment. I strongly believe that an in-depth knowledge on their application is necessary to improve productivity of quantity surveying services.
“We shall further project our image to the Kaduna State Government and its agencies for effective collaboration and patronage. Enhance the Capabilities and Soft skills of our members through quarterly seminars and other Continuous Professional Development programmes
“Increase the Visibility of the Chapter and the practice of quantity surveying by embarking on more advocacy visits and career talks in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. We shall spread our tentacles and be at the forefront to ensure that the chapter is not left out in the growth and aspirations of NIQS as an Institute. We encourage everyone to key into these programmes and ensure its fruition.
“Notwithstanding these primary objectives of ours, we shall try as much as possible to engage our elders and senior colleagues in order to tap from their wealth of experience and also carry them along.”
She acknowledged the good works of the past chairmen of the chapter, and the President of the NIQS, QS Kene Nzekwe, “for his support towards the chapter, the Chairman of the day QS Paul Anavhe, FNIQS, FICIArb, our Resource Person, QS Prof. P.C. Gangas, the entire National Executive Council Members of NIQS, the organizing committee members chaired by QS Muinat Sanni MNIQS. May I at this juncture, specifically appreciate my primary mentor and my Boss, who is the distinguished Special Guest of Honour, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, FNIQS, FICIArb., for his constant encouragement and support ever since I joined his firm as a pupil QS. His support for me and my aspirations has never wavered. May God bless and keep you Sir.
“On a personal note, my appreciation also goes to my loving husband, my wonderful children and other family members, all friends, colleagues, classmates and well-wishers who have contributed immeasurably to the success of this event.” And the various corporate bodies that contributed towards the success of the event.”
In an address, the President of NIQS, QS Kene C. Nzekwe, FNIQS, talked about the core values of their profession, saying, “Quantity Surveyors are experts trained to provide Total Cost and Procurement Management of Capital Projects from conception to commissioning and maintenance in all sectors of the economy, towards the attainment of sustainable national development.
“Consequently, we have a vital role to play in the prudent cost management of projects, procurement planning and budgetary implementation, post-contract auditing, alternative dispute resolution, project management, project cost monitoring and ensuring value for money in the construction industry. Our professional ethics and core values include transparency, accountability, probity and value for money in the construction industry.”
