By Ekweaga Uzoma
The Anambra State Commissioner for Housing, Arc. Arinze Henry, has charged architecture students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics by embracing transparency, integrity and hard work throughout their careers.
The Commissioner gave the advice while delivering a keynote address as the Guest of Honour at the Eastern Regional Convention of the Association of Architectural Students, held on June 25, at the Research Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Addressing the students, Arc. Arinze described architecture as a unique and rewarding profession with relatively few practitioners compared to fields such as law and medicine. He encouraged the students to pursue specialised areas of practice after their academic training to enhance their competence and professional relevance.
Drawing from his extensive professional experience in Nigeria and abroad, the Commissioner noted that the profession had opened doors to greater responsibilities and leadership opportunities. He advised the students to consider consultancy practice within the construction industry, describing it as financially rewarding and less demanding than many other areas of architectural practice.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Award for Excellent Public Service and Housing Development to Arc. Arinze by the Association of Architectural Students in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the housing sector.
Responding to the honour, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to the association for the recognition and assured the students that his office would continue to provide mentorship and professional guidance whenever needed.
In his closing remarks, the former Head of the Department of Architecture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Bond Obiadi, commended the Commissioner for sharing his wealth of professional knowledge and experience with the students. He expressed confidence that the insights gained during the engagement would positively shape their future careers.
Other dignitaries at the programme included the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Anambra State Chapter, Arc. Ikenna Onuorah; the Coordinator, Landscape Architecture Programme, Arc. Vitalis Irouke; the Head of the Department of Architecture, UNIZIK, Arc. Lynda Mbadugha; the General Secretary of the NIA, Anambra State Chapter; and other distinguished guests.
Ekweaga Uzoma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
