The newly elected National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Builders in Facilities Management (NIBIFM), Bldr. Odunmbaku-Wilson Olayiwola, has unveiled a three-point agenda focused on advocacy, capacity development and members’ welfare.
Olayiwola, who was elected at the institution’s 5th Annual General Meeting and Conference in Abuja on August 18, said his administration would work to strengthen the recognition and regulation of facilities management in Nigeria.
He said the profession played a critical role in ensuring safety, sustainability and cost efficiency in the management of built assets, stressing the need for greater engagement with government, regulatory agencies and the private sector.
The newly elected chairman stated: “Facility Management must no longer be treated as an afterthought. It is critical to safety, sustainability, cost efficiency and national development.”
On capacity development, the new chairman promised to deepen training, certification and continuous professional development for members through partnerships with local and international institutions, academia and industry players.
He said the administration would build on existing programmes, including the FM 01 and FM 02 bodies of knowledge and the recently introduced practical BootCamp FM 03, designed to equip practitioners with practical solutions to real-life facilities management challenges.
“Our goal is simple: every NIBIFM member must be competent, competitive and confident,” Olayiwola said.
He also pledged to prioritise members’ welfare through mentorship, networking, business support and a stronger welfare scheme, while promoting inclusivity, transparency and accountability within the institution.
Olayiwola acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations, saying their efforts had provided a foundation for the new leadership to build upon.
He further said the institution, as a subdivision of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), would align its activities with the policies and objectives of the parent body.
Calling for the cooperation of elected officers, council members, committees, state chapters and other members, he said the task ahead required collective effort.
“Let us be united by purpose. Let us be driven by service. Let us be remembered as the administration that gave Facilities Management its rightful place in Nigeria,” he said.
The new chairman pledged to work with members to advance the institution and strengthen the facilities management profession in Nigeria.
