Two prominent Osun State indigenes, Arc. Muyiwa Ige and Arc. Goke Omigbodun, are set to compete for the position of 3rd Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Architecture (NIA) during the 2025 Biennial General Meeting and the inauguration of the new executive committee of the association.
The contest will no doubt be a battle of titans, judging by the academic credentials, family backgrounds, and antecedents of the two personalities involved.
What makes the contest even more competitive and interesting is the fact that a 3rd Vice President in the NIA is typically seen as a President-in-waiting.
While Muyiwa Ige, an illustrious indigene of Esa-Oke, is the son of the late former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige, Goke Omigbodun hails from the family of Osogbo’s late foremost educationalist and the pioneer principal of Osogbo Grammar School, as well as the first chairman of the then Osogbo District Council (now divided into five local governments, including Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun, Orolu, and part of Egbedore), Venerable Julius Ladunjoye Omigbodun.
Presenting his impressive profile to members and explaining why he should be voted for, Sir (Arc.) Muyiwa Ige, who previously served as the Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Development in Osun State, notes that his ambition is fueled by the great vision he has for the association.
He said, “I am Arc. Muyiwa Ige, FNIA, and Your Most Preferred Candidate for the post of 3rd Vice President of our great Institute at the upcoming BGM 2025.
“My VISION as Your 3rd Vice President, over and beyond the Constitutional responsibilities, is to make the State Chapters and Subsidiaries more vibrant and visible and as catalysts for growth and Empowerment.
“We have a great future ahead, especially as we enter the next Quarter of this glorious Century (toward 2050).
The 3rd Vice President is not only a President-In-Waiting.
“The occupier of the post must have the charisma of Leadership, Selfless service and must be a Bridge Builder. These qualities i shall bring to bear, especially being the youngest and the most experienced of those vying for the post of 3rd Vice President.
“The MISSION of this campaign is hinged on Promoting Architecture (Instruction and Practice); Responsibility In Leadership; Collaboration for Empowerment; Inclusiveness and Innovation; Good Governance and Growth; and Excellence in Service.
“In addition, I shall ensure that I achieve these main achievable goals, to include: One Chapter One Secretariat; Improved Town and Gown Collaboration; and Partnership with States and Local Governments.
“I will leverage on my Network for the benefit of the Institute and empowerment of members.
Therefore, we must Mobilise Mobilse Mobilise. I urge you to Register and vote wisely.
“Distinguished Colleagues, the hour is near. On Saturday, 29th day of November, I urge and encourage you to Vote for me, Arc. Muyiwa Ige, FNIA,ksc, Your Candidate for the post of 3rd Vice President. I will not let you down.”
Meanwhile, Arc. Goke Omigbodun, a Lead Consultant at Goke Omigbodun Associates (Architects), has emphatically stated how he will leverage his years of experience, as well as antecedents and goodwill in the office of 3rd Vice President if elected.
As enshrined in his manifesto, Omigbodun promised to discharge his duties in accordance with Article 10.12 of the NIA Constitution, which states that, ‘The 3rd Vice-President shall coordinate the State Chapters and Subsidiaries. He shall ensure that the State Chapters and Subsidiaries comply with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Institute, in particular with respect to the presentation of Reports, Minutes, and Audited Accounts. He shall, in addition, take on assignments on behalf of the Executive Council from time to time.’
The duties, he said, he will discharge “with full cognisance of Articles 3.1, 7.0, 8.7, 8.9, and 9.0 of the NIA Constitution, as well as Clauses 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, and 8.0 of the NIA Bylaws.”
Omigbodun’s services to the NIA at both state and national levels include, but are not limited to:
National Treasurer (facilitating the first-ever professional valuation of NIA assets in 65 years), Chairman of the Finance Committee (facilitating the first-ever submission of Chapters’ Audited Financial Statements & Reports in 65 years), Member of the Strategic Committee Director of ADSL (NIA Subsidiary), Non-Portfolio (Ex-Officio) Member of the Council, Member of the NIA Buildings & Assets Management Committee, Member of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Member of the Staff Appointment & Promotions Committee, Member of the Board of Architectural Education (BAE), Member of the ARCHIBUILT 2024 Planning Committee, Member of the Diaspora Committee (that birthed the NIA UK Chapter and aims to establish other Diaspora Chapters), Member of the NIA 65th Anniversary Planning Committee, Member of the Distinguished Lecture Planning Committee (for PPNIA B. Ejiwumi), Member of the Benevolent Fund Committee, Member of the 63rd BGM Planning Committee, Member of the 64th AGM Planning Committee, Member of the NIA & TAF-Africa Task Team, Member of the Retreats Planning Committee, and Member of Previous Finance Committees.
‘I never did any by-standing, but always seized the opportunity to SERVE as duty beckoned!’
“Much earlier, I served as:
“Chairman of the Osun State Chapter (2015-2019) – initiated OASIS, Project FAME, Future Architects Mentoring Experience, and secured land now being built as the NIA Osun Chapter Secretariat, Vice-Chair of the Osun State Chapter (2011-2015), Member of the Library and Publications Committee, Member of the Building Research & Standards Committee, and Foundation Member of the Osun State Chapter.
“Having served both on the Council and the Strategic Committee of the NIA for many years, I am aware that the 3rd Vice President of the Institute is required by the Constitution and Bylaws of the NIA to work directly with Chapter Chairmen in mobilizing members across the country to give their best to and derive the best from the activities of the Institute, all about making Architecture a treasured profession for us all.
“I recognise that the office of the NIA 3rd Vice President is about experiences acquired through CONSISTENT, LONGSTANDING SERVICE WITHOUT BLEMISH NOR DISCIPLINARY QUERIES. I am committed to more service, by God’s Grace!
“For me, it’s NEVER about grandstanding and title-seeking; NEVER about long-standing by-standing; NEVER about loafing and lurking, but now leaping to seek offices for self-vainglory!
“What I pledge again, by God’s Grace, is CONSISTENT SERVICE to the Institute,” Omigbodun stated while assuring his best if elected as the 3rd Vice President of the association.
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) BGM 2025 is scheduled to take place from November 25th to 29th, 2025, at the NIA Village in the I & R District, Jabi, Abuja.
-Dare Adeniran 08057639079
