By Ihechi Enyinnaya
It was a home-coming day for Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku, as his professional constituent, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) on Wednesday in Abuja, honoured him for his outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria and support for architecture through public policies.
Gov Ishaku, an architect of immense stature and repute is a fellow of the Institute and occupies a prominent position on NIA’s list of professional architects who have made the most impact on society through works of architecture.
In a remark before the award presentation, Arc Sonny Echono, president of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, said the Institute was proud of the achievements of Gov Ishaku as governor of Taraba State.
He commended him in particular on the remarkable progress achieved in the development of education especially at the Taraba State University under the administration.
Gov Ishaku’s water revolution, empowerment programmes and road construction were particularly acknowledged. Echono described Ishaku as a good ambassador and pride of NIA.
In a short remark after receiving the award, Gov Ishaku said he is proud of the contributions of architects to the development of Nigeria and said he was proud to be part of this great achievement. He said if he was to come back to this world a second time, he would still like to be an architect.
He praised the leaders and elders of the profession for maintaining high standards of professional practice and promised to do everything possible to promote the growth of architecture in the country.
The ceremony was witnessed by a large delegation of the Senate led by Senator Ahmad Lawan who himself also received an award.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was also given an award for his role in developing his state.