Dangiwa Inaugurates Registration Board for Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria … charges them to promote good ethics, enhance the credibility of the Profession Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged the newly inaugurated Board for the registration of Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria to ensure the promotion of integrity, honesty, transparency, and fairness in the course of performing their professional duties. Dangiwa gave the charge during the formal inauguration of the 10th constituted Board of the QSRBN. The Board is a professional regulatory agency for Quantity Surveyors under the supervision of the Housing Ministry. The 15- member board comprises of six (6) appointees of the Ministry in accordance with Section 2 (1)b of the Act, Five (5) appointees representing the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) in accordance with Section 2(1) c of the Act and Four (4) appointees representing Institutions of Higher Education in accordance with Section 2 (1)d of the Act. Dangiwa stated that the appointment of the board members was a call to National Service, saying that they had a critical role to play in fixing the challenges facing the housing sector through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as intended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Stressing on the responsibilities of the board among others, the minister listed; determining the quantity surveyors standard of knowledge and skills, regulating and controlling the practice of Quantity Surveying profession in all its aspects and ramifications  “ The full details of your duties and responsibilities are prescribed in the enabling Act of the QSRBN which will be handed over to you at the end of the inauguration ceremony. I urge you to carefully read through them and become familiar with them as the knowledge will help and guide you towards contributing your quota to national development”, he explained. Accordingly, Dangiwa also tasked the board to leverage on its wealth of experience and professional training, to ensure reduction in the high cost of construction projects and procurement in the country, noting that the construction sector where the Quantity Surveyors belong to is a major driver of employment and economic growth. Responding on behalf of the new board, QS Obafemi Oluwole Onashile, pledged that the board would work without prejudice in the discharge of their duties, and also work in collaboration with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and other stakeholders to upscale the impact of the quantity surveying profession on the national economy of the Nation. He assured the Minister that members of the board would be guided by the QSRBN Act in the performance of their duties and are fully informed about the roles, duties and operations of the board.   ...

Digitalisation: Housing Ministry Launches Official Website   In line with the digitalisation in the Federal Civil Service, a new web portal has been unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development  The domain name of the website is www.fmhud.gov.ng. It is the first stand alone website of the Ministry since it was demerged from the former Ministry of Works and Housing. Unveiling the website, the Permanent Secretary,  Marcus Ogunbiyi, PhD, highly commended the efforts of the department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) under the leadership of the Director in charge, Marcus Amiolemen for their tenacity in ensuring that the activities of the Ministry are showcased to the world through the website creation. Ogunbiyi acknowledged the endeavour of the ICT department in the improvement of the Ministry’s Internet Connectivity, noting that the accomplishments were good steps in the right direction towards DIGITALIZATION, which is one of the pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25). “Digitalization is part of the ongoing reforms of the nation's Public Service so the launch of our Ministry’s website is an achievement worth celebrating” he said. While lauding the initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s to demerge the Ministries of Housing and Works, Ogunbiyi expressed optimism that the gradual steps being taken by the Ministry to fully operate as an independent Ministry will in no time materialize into visible developments. The Permanent Secretary was particularly excited to disclose more developments to expect in the Ministry, such as the creation of an official email with the Ministry’s domain name for all staff, the  acquisition of a small power inverter, a renewal of the Ministry’s reception area among others. He further directed all departments to always send in their activities to the ICT departments for an edit and upload into the website. Accordingly, he encouraged all staff of the Ministry to frequently visit the website so as to be kept abreast of all activities of the Ministry. Earlier in his presentation,  the Director in charge of the ICT  department. Marcus Amiolemen, stated that the development of the Ministry’s web portal is key to the Ministry, being one of the components that all Nigerians all over the world can leverage on to know the activities of the Housing Ministry. He said, “the era we are, any organization that lacks the presence of the international domain does not exist and to achieve that milestone we have been able to develop the ministry's website which serves as a platform to manage as well as showcase all programs and activities of the Ministry to the world”. The Director outlined and explained some components and various pages that makes up the website which includes departments of the Ministry alongside their functions, press releases, documents from the office of the Honorable Minister, pictorials of important events of the Ministry, frequently asked questions on housing units from the general public, among others. “The website is also very flexible, easy to access and highly secure, he added. Amiolemen solicited for the support of all Departments in ensuring that going foward, the Ministry’s website www.fmhud.gov.ng,  as well as the official email info@fmhud.gov.ng is included on all the Ministry’s letter headed papers. ...

Housing Ministry Celebrates Retiring Directors The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has celebrated three retired Directors for their remarkable, unblemished and committed services to the nation. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa in his remarks at a special retirement sendforth ceremony held at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja said their contributions to designs for the ministry's housing programmes and commitment to professionalism have left good marks on our country’s housing landscape. The retirees are Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma (Director/HOD Public Building & Housing Development), Arc. Dossou Olusegun Olubunmi (Director, MDAs) and Arc. Laminu Mohammed Manman (Director, Landscaping). The Minister remarked that "Today, we reflect on the countless contributions and positive impact they have made in advancing the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the impact of their efforts on the built environment.  Their contributions to designs for the Ministry’s housing programs, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to professionalism have left good marks on our country’s housing landscape". Dangiwa also stated that he was convinced that their combined contributions have been instrumental in the successes the ministry has recorded thus far.  " Your participation at management meetings, professional inputs at departmental levels and passion for your craft and commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism have earned you all my respect and admiration and I believe that of their colleagues and housing industry stakeholders" he said  The Minister described the sendforth celebration as not only for their professional achievements but also the friendships made, the memories shared, the laughter and the legacies that they have left  behind. Commending one of the retiree, Arc. Iquo Uzodinma, Dangiwa said the practical and active roles she played in organizing and coordinating the successful Inauguration of the Housing Reform Task Teams and the official launch of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR  at Karsana was remarkable . "Throughout her tenure, Arc. Uzodinma not only demonstrated exceptional professional prowess but also served and mentored many in the Department. You hardly see her attend meetings without one or two of her Directors with her. This demonstrates openness, cooperation and mentorship" he stated  The Minister lamented that the ministry was losing a lot of professionals especially in the area of environment. On his part,  Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo said the retirement offers a well -deserved  opportunity for these exceptional Directors to rest, reflect, and enjoy the fruits of their labour and a time for cherished memories, new experiences as well as fulfillment of personal dreams. He added that he was confident that their wealth of knowledge would continue to positively impact the society in various capacities. Earlier in a welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi thanked God Almighty that these Directors retired in good health. He advised staff to put in their best in service and should also start planning for their retirement as time waits for nobody. ...