General
Nigeria’s Facility Managers Partner AETI on Mentorship Development
The Facility Management Industry in Nigeria is set to witness a major turnaround as two leading organizations, International Facility Management Association, Nigeria Chapter and another Nigerian firm, Applied Engineering Technology Institute, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding at IFMA’s secretariat in Lagos.
The partnership aims to deepen capacity building, sustainability initiative and mentorship development for the practitioners in built environment in Nigeria.
The International Facility Management Association, Nigeria chapter is committed to continuous learning and development through strategic collaboration with other professional bodies and reputable organisations in order to ensure the entrenchment of best global practices in the practice of facility management in the Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing of the (MOU) in Lagos, the two organizations promised to synergize and bring their diverse experiences to change the narratives in the facility management sector in Nigeria through development of an articulated capacity building programs and professional knowledge sharing to help advance the cause of facility management industry.
According to the Acting President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter, Mr ’Segun Adebayo, “Leveraging on the success of the maiden edition of Advocacy Day of December, 2019, it has become imperative to embrace an impactful collaboration of this nature as part of the critical tool to implement some of the outcomes and positive developments at the programme.
He said “today is historic and I am sure with this collaboration with AETI, another reputable organization like ours, the signing of the MOU will no doubt, expand our frontiers and also enhance our relevance in the built environment.”
“I am convinced that with AETI as our progressive partner, the facility management space will going forward begin to enjoy appreciable transformation,” he submitted.
“We will work together to achieve great outcomes, leveraging on our combined expertise to develop the capacity and also expose all the players, practitioners and relevant stakeholders to tailor made and function specific training.
“We have a robust strategy and programs to achieve this, we shall work in synergy to ensure sustainability and provide mentorship for the upcoming players in facility management industry in Nigeria,” he assured.
Responding, the chairman of AETI, Mr Francis Kudayah, opined that IFMA Nigeria with her global reputation and its achievement of over fifteen years, his organization could not have settled for any other association than IFMA to promote global best practices in the facility management sector.
Mr Kudayah said, “I am very excited today that our organization, a foremost engineering consulting firm, made of different professionals like IFMA is entering into this capacity development partnership. with you.
“We have watched and monitored your activities over the years and we are more than convinced that indeed you are a reliable Association that any organization can synergize with and leverage on your professionalism to advance the cause of facility management industry in Nigeria.
“We are prepared to make this partnership work, we will work day and night to ensure that we comply with the letters of the MoU and make your Association proud that indeed in us, you have found a great partner.”
In addition, the immediate past President of IFMA, Engineer Pius Iwundu, said in his brief speech that partnership is key and collaboration is the new currency and that really explained the reason why the representatives of the member of council of IFMA Nigeria were here to witness the signing of the MoU.
Mr Iwundu added, “the two organizations should ensure that we work assiduously together to consolidate the gains of the past and innovatively walk into the future.”
“I am sure this synergy will produce the desired outcomes and I have no doubt that the future of facility management industry looks great with this step we have just taken,” he stated.
IFMA Nigeria Chapter is an organization that is open to meaningful collaborations with reputable organizations that can lead to capacity development of our professionals, mentor the younger ones and lead to a great sustainability of this industry.”
Others who were present to witness the signing of the MOU were, Miss Iyabo Abaoba, the Doyen and former President of IFMA, Nigeria; Mrs Bamidele Chinedu, the Executive Secretary of IFMA Nigeria; Mr Chris Udembah, the Assistant General Manager, Administration of AETI; and Mr Banire Adeshina, Assistant General Manager, Engineering of AETI.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
