The new chairman of the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mr. Olugbenga lsmail, has assured practitioners that the institution will strive to stay at the forefront of industry trends by embracing technology, promoting ethical standards and best practices.
He gave the assurance during his investiture as the 28th Chairman of the branch in Lagos. Ismail said the branch will adapt to the changing landscape of real estate and valuation, as well as enhance professional capabilities and provide greater value to clients and the general public.
“We will promote continuous learning and you cannot do that without technology. If anyone doesn’t improve their capacity using technology, they will be left behind. Integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of our work, and we must uphold these principles unwaveringly,” he said.
He said the institution would work with the government by contributing to policies, programmes and share knowledge to move forward.
On quackery, he explained that what needs to be done is to improve regulations and policies, to determine who is in charge and responsible for certain decisions. “We are a diverse group of professionals with unique skills and experiences, and it is through our collective efforts that we can achieve excellence in the field of real estate,” he added.
NIESV President, Mr. Johnbull Amayaevbo, said the national body would assist the Lagos branch in achieving its mandates. Amayaevbo described the new chairman as a transformational leader, who is focused on promoting the branch and the institution as a whole.
He assured that during his tenure the branch would witness unprecedented growth and development. “Lagos has always been a leader when it comes to decision making in the institution. I urge you to collaborate with the council in securing the profession. Your election is a call to service, and you should give the best of service to the branch,” he emphasised.
In a remark, Managing Director, Eximia Realty Company, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, said there are supply chain challenges in real estate. However, he said the sector offers opportunities for would-be investors to thrive.
He highlighted factors for growth to include acute shortage of housing, growth of e-commerce, significance opportunities in warehousing and others.
Ogunniran noted that funding is a major challenge but advised stakeholders to think of innovative ways to fund projects in a sustainable manner. According to him, there was also a need to pay attention to technology in housing production.
The guest speaker/Chief Executive Officer, ThinkBusiness Africa Limited, Dr. Ogho Okiti, encouraged the new chairman to be ambitious and make sacrifices for members, stressing that without sacrificing, it will be difficult to be a good leader.
Earlier, the Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, lauded the contribution of the professionals in developing the housing industry in the state. She also called for collaboration with the ministry to boost the sector.
