From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The BA’ALO-EMU, Oworo Kingdom and Advisory Council Chairman of Built Environment and Building Material BEBM Exhibitions in Kogi state, Chief Fejuku Benjamin Bola has pleaded with Nigerians to be alive in the use of local Products in building construction.
The royal father made the call while speaking at the opening session of this year’s Kogi Built Environment and Building Material BEBM Exhibitions held in Lokoja, the state capital on Tuesday.
He said that the BEBM Exhibitions is aimed at creating a sort of synergy between all stakeholders (end users) in built industry and the producers of such local materials.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to reduce interest in foreign made products and embrace local contents.
“We all know the sad implications attach to relying on foreign materials in construction industry. It depletes foreign reserve as well as create massive unemployment amongst Nigerians youths
“Iam happy to tell you all that this organisation BEBM Exhibitions, is today championing the need for Nigerians to look inward to make do with those raw materials God has graciously bestowed on Nigeria as a nation” the Monarch stated
Chief Fejuku Bola said that the 3 days event will look into how best to use various raw materials in the built industry and avoid the use of sub-standard products.
This according to the royal father will help change the face of our environment and that of humanity.
The Commissioner for Environment, Victor Omofaye who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Jibrin Seidu in his remarks, commended the organisers of the exhibition saying that it will go a long way in regulating the the building industry to ensure standard.
The commissioner said that the event is very important and timely advocating more of such Programme to showcase the worth of building industry.
He said that efforts must be put in place to shun fake materials and embrace original products.
He gave the assurance that government will not relent in providing necessary support to the building sector.
Dr. Callistus Ayegba, a Lecturer with the Federal University of Technology, Mina who was the Guest Lecturer at the occasion along with other resource persons and experienced professionals harped on current issues relating to building and construction industry with a strong warning against the use of sub-standard materials.
The Theme of the 2022 BEBM is “Building Smart Environment” Using Made in Nigeria Building Materials