…On How He Runs The Association
On Tuesday, 31st January, 2023, at the Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers held its 29th Annual John Wood Ekpenyong Memorial Lecture and 2023 Fellows\Induction Ceremony.
At that event, the President/Chairman of The Council, ESV Johnbull Osarumen Amayaevbo revealed a lot about the association. Below is his story.
(1) It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you most cordially to the 29th edition of J.W. Ekpeyoung Memorial Lecture and 2023 Induction of Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. J.W. Ekpeyoung Memorial Lecture is a yearly event in honour of the first Estate Surveyor and Valuer in Nigeria, and the founding President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, late ESV John Wood Ekpenyong, PPNIVS who years after his separation from this world is still a living legend. An example in character, creativity, diligence, dedication, nobility, integrity and determination to do what is right, ESV John Wood Ekpenyong is an inspiration for us to build the profession and nation of our vision. If we can adopt the late sage’s vision and follow his steps, greatness will be restored in the country.
(2) I would like to express sincere appreciation to the Chairman of this occasion, ESV (Olorogun) James Omeru, PPNIVS for agreeing to preside over today’s event. Permit me to most specially appreciate our Distinguished Special Guest of Honour, Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu, SAN, CON, former Federal Commissioner for Works, the first to be conferred an Honorary Fellow of the Institution, Special Guest Speaker, the Attorney-General and Honourable Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN and the Guest Speaker, ESV (Dr) Bolarinde Joshua Patunola-Ajayi, PPNIVS. I am particularly thankful to distinguished Council members, past Presidents, Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees, Elders of the Institution, Chairman and members of the Privileges Committee, Chairman of the Board of Fellows, Honourary Fellows of the Institutions here present, the new Fellows, President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Presidents of Professional bodies in attendance, members of the Institution in attendance, members of the late J. W. Ekpenyong family, Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen. We are delighted to have you with us to participate and share in today’s special occasion.
(3) My Noble Colleagues who would be inducted as Fellows of the Institution today, you are deserving of the honour, having displayed distinction in your practices and endeavours in the past ten or more years. We are here to celebrate your achievements. I welcome in a special way the spouses and family members of the Fellowship awardees. I congratulate you for supporting their aspirations of attaining this prestigious class of membership of the Institution.
(4) Since inception 29 years ago, J.W. Ekpenyong Memorial Lecture has been serving as a robust and intellectual
platform to address issues, challenges and prospects of the Real Estate industry, with workable
recommendations to the government, private sector and stakeholders within and outside the country, taking into consideration the crucial roles of Real Estate in National Economic Development. This year’s edition is not going to be different. That many of you have willingly traveled long distances to be here serves as a reminder to usalljust how importanttoday’sevent is. Thank you for coming.
(5) As I stand on this podium, the thought that we are gathered to mark the 29th J. W. Ekpeyoung Memorial Lecture make me wonder how quickly time flies. It is another opportunity to reflect on the person and character of ESV John Wood Ekpenyong, as weir as the legacies he left behind.
(6) John W. Ekpenyong Memorial Lecture is an epoch-making event in appreciation of the groundbreaking and pioneering role of the symbol of this great Institution. ESV John Wood Ekpenyong, PPNIVS, the 1st President of
the Institution was a diligent pace-setter who alongside ESV Hope Harriman, PPNIVS, ESV Josiah .A. Oluwatudimu, PPNIVS, ESV (Sir) S.P.O. Fortune Ebie, PPNIVS, ESV Adetola Olanipekun Shote, PPNIVS, ESV (Ven.) L.L. Eso, PPNIVS and the other foundation members began the pioneering task of putting up the structure that has made Estate Surveying and Valuation profession prominent and recognizable in Nigeria and beyond.
(7) Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu, SAN, CON, former Federal Commissioner for Works and ESV Deacon (Dr.) Olalekan Adeola Dosumu, FNIVS, RSV are two highly respected and eminent personalities we are obliged to be eternally grateful to for their roles in drafting and facilitating the passage of the law; the Estate Surveyors & Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria Decree No.24 of 1975, now CAPE13 LFN 2007 which gave a legal backing to the profession. We would always remember with appreciation their roles and contributions to the formation of the Institution. Our leaders then were magnanimous enough to promptly confer on Alhaji Okunnu an Honorary Fellow of the Institution in appreciation of his role. He is the first person to be so honoured. Join me to celebrate the 1st Honorary Fellow of the Institution, Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu, SAN, CON, former Federal Commissioner for Works via a standing ovation.
(8) Year 2023 marks the 54th anniversary of the founding of this great Institution that ESV John Wood Ekpenyong, PPNIVS and his contemporaries pioneered. Over the decades, the Institution has produced thousands of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and has impacted the nation’s development in many ways. The profession remains a critical stakeholder and dependable partner with the government in national development, particularly in the areas of Policy Formulation, Land Administration, Asset Management and Administration, Housing, Project Development among others.
(9) The theme of today’s lecture is “Competence and Professionalism in Real Estate Practice; Role of Specialization” The profession operates on a Code of Professional Ethics and Practice which is the major ingredient of professionalism. The Institution had also created Professional Associations (Faculties) for the acquisition of specialist knowledge by its members. These are part of the deliberate steps taken to enhance specialization, competence and professionalism. I have implicit confidence in our 22nd President. ESV (Dr) Bolarinde Joshua Patunola-Ajayi, PPNIVS to do justice and thorough analysis of the subject matter. ESV (Dr)
Bolarinde Joshua Patunola-Ajayi is a prolific writer, publisher and public speaker who has delivered many lectures both within and outside the country. With over thirty-seven (37) years professional experience in Real Estate Development. Property Management. Valuation, Marketing, Consultancy and Advisory Services, ESV (Dr.) Bolarinde Joshua Patunola-Ajayi, PPNIVS has carved a niche for himself within the real estate industry. I implore you to make a good use of this epoch making lecture.
(10) Once again, my Noble Colleagues who had been found worthy of elevation to the Fellowship status, having successfully gone through a thorough process of scrutiny conducted by the Privileges Committee of the Institution, I congratulate you on your success and for choosing the right profession. I welcome you into the highest class of Membership and Professional qualification of our Noble Profession. I acknowledge your determination and hard work over the past ten years or more, even as I rejoice and join you to savour the aroma of good success.
(11) Upon your conferment as Fellows, you will become members of the Board of Fellows, a privilege that signals the commencement of another journey of bearing responsibilities on behalf of the Institution. They include, but not limited to the responsibility of carrying yourself with the dignity that the Fellowship status bestows; responsibility of doubling your efforts at participating in NIESV activities and making contributions to the growth of the Institution, as well as the responsibility of being the Institution’s ambassadors by delivering valuable services to the development of the nation in all your endeavours. The honour conferred on you today requires absolute compliance to professional ethics and standards of practice, total commitment to the aims and objectives of the Institution. Importantly too, you must realise that you have also acquired the responsibility of being role models to younger Estate Surveyors and Valuers, and to those who need inspiration to join the profession. It is expected of you to continue to show quality leadership to other members of the profession, especially the younger ones and espouse the practice for the benefit of mankind.
(12) The hallmarks of true professionals are special knowledge, competence, ethics and integrity. The absence of these attributes has been the cause of many disasters in Nigeria. I charge you to remain committed to continuous acquisition of knowledge and to exhibit at all times the qualities of good conduct, integrity, nobility, honesty and devotion. Nigeria needs honest Estate Surveyors and Valuers rendering honest consultancy and other professional real estate services. It would be a disservice to the Institution and to the nation as a whole for any Noble Colleague to knowingly act otherwise. Do not rest on your oars, the world is yours to take, go for it, reach for the peak and be whatever you want to be.
Remember while you cannot direct the wind, you can adjust the sail to get to your destination. I urge you to ponder and meditate on this thought provoking and insightful statement by Madeline Hunter, the accomplished American author of several novels. She said, “If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do. If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow, go to the cutting edge of your competency, which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don’t quite know what you are doing, know you are growing.” Constantly and relentlessly improve on your skills and capacity. Be – a vessel of value creation.
ESV Johnbull Osarumen Amayaevbo, PNIVS, RSV, Pslc is the President/Chairman of The Council
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