In this interview, Olukunle Oludare, a graduate of Architecture and building expert speaks about how Nigeria can reduce rate of building collapse. He also takes time to explain why this is rampant in the country. Read excerpts:
Can our readers meet you?
Thank you very much, Olukunle Olutomilola Oludare is my name, I am a graduate of Architecture and building expert. In short, I am a contractor by trade. Specifically, I have an HND in Architectural Technology from Lagos State Polytechnic as well as a Bsc from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. I equally have several Professional Certifications in Project Management and Human Safety and Environment.
Why did you decide to study architecture
I decided to study architecture because of the passion I have for drawing and modeling. As a teenager, I usually put pieces of paper together to form buildings. I always felt happy anytime I was doing this to the extent that I used to ignore meals
Where and where have you worked?
I have worked with Image Construction Limited, one of the leading construction firms in Lagos, Nigeria as a project Architect.
I have also worked with Ravega Development Works, Ibadan, Nigeria. As a Project Manager. I will humbly say that I added so much values to the company because of my quality control and eyes for details before I incorporated my own company.
Which aspect of your profession has been the most challenging?
This is when a client does not want to pay for services but can procure materials and still give impression that he or she is broke and that you should have a certain percentage for your services now with the assurance that you will be paid later. At the end of the day, you are never paid.
Can you talk about the most rewarding experience you have had as a professional
To the glory of God, I will say here that the opportunity to leave my former company as a project manager to incorporate my own company was the most rewarding. That was when I started securing lots of contracts from different clients who were obviously waiting for me to be my own boss. That was when it finally downed on me that hard work pays…especially when you also have eyes for details.
Can you tell us more about your company?
Axis 25th Lined Limited is a fast-growing building construction firm providing services and profit to its shareholders and services to Nigeria’s construction industry with emphasis on health, safety and environmental protection of the work place.
Our quality control is top notch, it was incorporated in 2018 and since the company’s registration, it has been involved in a number of projects across the country some of these are mentioned below. Some of those projects include Sweetco Foods Limited, Dugbe, Ibadan, Ibadan International School, Iyaganku G.R.A, Ibadan, Nigerian Breweries in Ibadan and Ijebu Ode, International Institute for Tropical agriculture (IITA) and so many others.
I will also like to add that the company, considering its versatility and responsiveness has been able to develop a wide field of operations and these include Architectural Design, 3D Presentations, Construction/Project Management, Flood and Drainage Works and Interior Designs and consulting in furnishing. We are located in Ibadan, specifically on Number 26, Obasa Street, Oluyole Ibadan, Oyo State and we can be reached via these numbers: 08027616582, 09046424087. Our E-Mail- axis25thlinelimited@gmail.com and our website- www.axislineltd.come.ng
How do you see the practice of Architecture in Nigeria?
Architecture as a profession in Nigeria is constantly being challenged and faced with issues that range from the quality of graduates being produced in our institutions of higher learning, battle for relevance in the society, scarcity of commissions, increasing competition among practitioners for the few opportunities available and contentions over the traditional role of Architects.
In Nigeria, everybody involved in the process of building is either an Architect or an engineer? How does this make you feel?
A: In building construction, both the Architect and the Engineer have vital roles to play for a good and safe building. The Architect should not override the role of the engineer and vice versa.
*Essentially, what are the reasons behind incessant building collapse in Nigeria?*
A: We have numerous causes of building collapse and the first one is the Bearing Capacity of Soil. It is important to carry out soil test to determine the nature of the soil because every building sits on the soil, nature of soil will determine the type of foundation to be adopted for such building.
The second one is when there is what I will call bad foundation. A good foundation must be able to withstand the load of the building imposed on it.
I will also like to mention the issue of inferior building materials. By this, I mean Structural materials and these are the components that make up the building including Cement, blocks, rods and aggregates. Bad material will result in weak buildings.
Added to all these is the fact that all stakeholders in the building industry should pray against engaging unprofessional or bad workers. You see, at times, a contractor can become unprofessional because of greed.
Meanwhile, the Client also may also engage cheap labour and this can be equal to being penny wise, pound foolish.
I can also mention lack of supervision by qualified professionals
It is also good to scrutinize the Structural Design of the project. A good building should be well defined, unrealistic structural design will lead to building collapse.
In addition, when we have Corrosion of Reinforcement, a building can collapse and before it does, it would have given signs.
The federal Government should take responsibility for building failure. This is because it has failed to enforce and regulate building standards also take decisive action to prevent future building collapse incidents. The government must ensure that those responsible for building collapse are prosecuted.
Message for fellow professional in the building industry
A: Architects, builders, civil engineers, structural engineers, electrical engineers and mechanical engineer should always know their bounds in building constructions. One should not override the other if we want to reduce the rate at which buildings collapse in Nigeria.
