4th Distinguished Lecturer Of Nigerian Institute Of Architects, Aduku Stands Tall

By Joseph Edegbo

What looked like an assemblage of who is who in the architectural profession was the scenario at the 4th Distinguished Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Architects held on the 24th September 2018 at Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja, the country’s capital.

Introduced in 2015, the Distinguished Lecture was set for those that are referred to as the Doyens of the profession, having attained unequalled qualities or Achievements.

The ‘ball’ was set rolling on the 30th of April 2015 with late Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Arc (Chief) Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, followed by Arc (Chief) Vivian Thomas Uku on 4th of August 2016 and the 3rd, by Arc Olufeni Majekodunmi on August 16th 2017.

The 4th which is the focus, was by Arc (Chief) Gabriel Yakubu Aduku whose land mark projects dot the skylines of the nation’s cities and beyond.

The Distinguished Lecture by Chief Aduku featured a book presentation titled BEYOND SIMPLE LINES: 2, x-raying the five decades of his architectural practice in the country from 1970 to Date.

Celebrating Chief Aduku, the current President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc Festus Adibe Njoku said the Doyen has made truly significant contribution to the profession and the nation at large through his firm, ARCHCON Nig. Ltd. confounded by the first Nigerian Professor of Architecture, Ekundayo Adeyemi.

“His contributions in the socio- economic and socio- political spheres of our nation cannot be overstated. At various times, he has served on boards of companies and government parastatals. He was appointed Minister of State for Health in 2007 by Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“In the Institute, his contribution to its continued progress has never waned, even after over two decades of serving as President. His lecture today and the presentation of the second edition of his book BEYOND SIMPLE LINES will no doubt take us through the remarkable story that has been 48 years in the making and still counting,” Njoku remarked.

Felicitating with the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (apbn) which Aduku also belongs, describes him as a great and unassuming personality with enviable high ethical character worthy of emulation.

According to the President of the association. Dr. Omede Idris, “Aduku had served the profession and Institute of this great profession, Architecture and its regulatory council, his communities and the nation at large.”

Eulogizing Chief Aduku, the Kaduna State chapter of NIA, where Headquarters of his firm, Archcon Nig (Ltd) is located, pledged to continue to celebrate his impact contribution to the Architectural profession in Nigeria and the world at large.

“When the roll call of Great African Architects is mentioned, our Architect Gabriel Yakubu Aduku will be top on the list for his design innovation and functional consistency. He has established his identity as an Architect that is bold in designing buildings with Unforgettable and delightful features,” the Chapter noted.

Beyond the shores of Nigeria, Chief Aduku is a cooperate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), international Associate American Institute of Architects (AAA) -1993, Member Eco-legid Arqhuitects de Catalunya, Barcelona 1996.

Having gone down the memory lane in the lecture, Chief Aduku used the occasion to challenge Nigerian Architects to be in the vanguard of the country’s development through the dredging of River Niger.

Nigeria, he said, should use her God given resources, particularly, the rivers Niger and Benue which have confluence in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital to full advantage in terms of development.

According to Arc Aduku, Lokoja the city of Amalgamation in 1914, is United Nations’ heritage without any benefit for the people of the State and therefore advocated that it should be sustainably dredged.

“The current government has spent a lot of money through annual budgetary allocation for the dredging of River Niger and even said the dredging has been done, contrary to the reality on ground,” Aduku emphasised.

Chief Aduku however noted that the challenges before Nigeria are numerous hence the need for people of good will all over the world to be sympathetic to her.