The 54th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), with a special theme of Building Profession Practices and Sustainable National Development, is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, August 20th, to Friday, August 23rd, 2024 at Wonderland Event Centre, Awka, Anambra State; National President of the Institute, Bldr. Alderton Ewa Ewa has said, adding that the conference promises to be a pivotal event for the construction industry.
Alderton, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja, on Friday, said the meeting will serve as a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, explore innovative solutions, and collectively chart a course for sustainable development of the building industry.
While inviting industry stakeholders, including government officials, experts and the general public to participate in the conference, he said that by working together with relevant stakeholders, the institute aims to build a stronger, more resilient and sustainable Nigeria.
“It will interest you to know that we are expecting more than 3000 participants, including captains of various industries and we believe that the opportunities offered by this forthcoming conference will be very impactful,” he said.
He described the construction industry as a significant contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, noting that it is intrinsically linked to national development and directly impacts the sustainability of the country.
According to Ewa Ewa, sustainable national development can be achieved through the implementation of policies that will engender sustainable building practices, adding that there is need for intentional policy efforts that will lead to sustainable development of construction materials and methods.
While saying that there is also a need to harness local resources, he pointed out that prioritising the use of locally sourced materials will reduce carbon footprint and support development of local economies in the country.
While saying that the conference was designed to address the importance of embracing emerging discoveries that lead to energy efficiency in homes, Ewa Ewa said the conference will address the imperatives, stating that experts at the conference will discuss how energy-efficient designs and technologies can be used to minimize energy consumption.
Builders have a crucial role to play in driving sustainable development. By adopting ethical practices, prioritizing quality, and staying updated on the latest trends, they can contribute significantly to creating a better future for all.