SOLUDO INAUGURATES PANEL OF INQUIRY INTO OCHANJA, DMGS ONITSHA BUILDING COLLAPSES, GIVES 28 DAYS DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REPORT

By Christian ABURIME

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has inaugurated a panel of inquiry into the building collapse at Ọdụ Igbo, Ochanja and DMGS, Onitsha.

This is coming less than twenty four hours after members of the panel were constituted.

The Governor performed the function at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

Members of the panel are

Engr. Sir Victor Meju- Chairman, who is also the Chairman of COREN Anambra State Chapter, he will serve as Chairman,

Arc. Ikenna Eboh- Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architect (NIA) Anambra State Chapter, Member,

TPL. Nwofor Ben Obiora Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)Anambra State Chapter, Member,

Surv. Gabriel Okeke Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Anambra State Chapter, Member.

Others are:

Bldr. Kingsley Nweke Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) Anambra State Chapter, Member,

MD/CEO Anambra State Material Testing Laboratory- Member,

Prof. Ezeagu Akaolisa- Chairman Institute of Structural Engineers, member

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing Anambra State- Secretary of the Committee.

The panel was charged to identify the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse of Lockup shops at Ọdụ Igbo Ochanja and the centenary building at Dennis Memorial Grammar School Onitsha, including structural, design, construction, and maintenance factors, assess the role of relevant authorities, including regulatory bodies and local government agencies, in monitoring and enforcing building codes and safety standards, among others and make recommendations.

Governor Soludo who stated that their inauguration goes a long way to demonstrate the importance his government would place on the recommendations of the panel, which may form the basis for requisite actions.

The Governor also charged them on discharging their job with the highest form of professionalism, which is the reason they were chosen from various professional bodies.

“The building collapse at Ọdụ Igbo and DMGS, Onitsha has become one too many.

“There is no better qualified team than you, to get to the root of this matter. I’m sure the nation will benefit immensely from your recommendations.

“Give us the best and then we get to work”; the Governor added.

Engr. Meju appreciated the Governor for finding them worthy of the role.

“We understand the sacred nature of the appointment to the state government.

“We will articulate our recommendations for the benefit of ndị Anambra”; hé concluded.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi and the Press Secretary to the Governor were also present at the event.