A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has advised estate surveyors and valuers as well as other professionals in the country to uphold the tenet of professionalism and service to the nation, which relies on their expert advice and sound judgement.
Speaking at the induction of new Associates of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Abuja on Saturday, el-Rufai who spoke on the theme, 'The roles of real estate professionals in nation building,' charged the inductees to ensure that they distinguished themselves and always give clients value for money.
The former minister, who spoke through one of his aides, Mr. Martins Akumazi, said the problem with Nigerian professionals was their disposition towards money rather than creating a niche for themselves by building a brand around integrity and professionalism, two things that would always attract money in the long run.
He urged them to be patient, dedicated to their professional callings and also ensure that they were always in tune with agreed principles of correct moral conduct.
El-Rufai urged members of the institution to eschew any form of professional misconduct and dishonesty, while carrying out their professional services.
He implored the newly inducted Associates to build their career around good name, which was more sustainable rather than money that would always follow any one that had integrity.
He also enjoined them to be forthright in their dealings with clients and colleagues in their day-to-day activities.
In her key note address at the ceremony, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ms. Ama Pepple, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. G. T. Tanbasi, challenged professionals in the country to always upgrade themselves and ensure they were on top of issues around their respective professions.
She said it was impossible for a nation to develop beyond the level of her educational attainment and would not rise beyond the level of professionalism acquired by her citizens.
In this light, the minister urged members of the institution to see themselves as very important stakeholders in the quest for nation building.
She said as real estate practitioners, the nation was looking up to them to provide veritable solutions to the issue of housing shortage in the country.
Pepple said that now that their voices could be heard as professionals, they should not hesitate to make their inputs known to the government.
The induction ceremony, which was supervised by the Chairman, Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria, Mr. Ayodele Sangosanya, and attracted many members of NIESV and other professionals.
The President, NIESV, Mr. Emeka Eleh, who administered the oath of office and the induction sacramental, said professionals in the country had the wherewithal in terms of skill and competencies to meet up with global standards when called upon to render their professional service.
The Chairman of the induction planning committee, Mr. Victor Ayeye, expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the ceremony.
