REPORT ON IRWA CHAPTER 84, 5TH ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE, PORT-HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.
The conference took place on the 24th May, 2019 at the Atlantic Hall, Presidential Hotel, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The theme ‘‘Improving Stakeholders’ Engagement in Right of Way Acquisition For Infrastructural Developments’’ was strategically chosen to draw the attention of major players in right of way matters cutting across private and public sectors participants.
The attendance was quite impressive comprising both registered members and non-members as well as invited guests. The Keynote address was delivered by Chief (ESV) Anugbum Onuoha, PhD Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Lands and Survey matters invariably representing the public sector. While Mr. Igo Weli, General Manager, External Relations Nigeria Shell Petroleum Development Company from the private sector was the Guest Speaker. He indeed tackled the main theme of the conference.
Our own registered Right of Way Agent, Dr. Victor Akujuru handled the topic on Innovations in Right of Way Project Delivery. They all did justice to the various topics as they elicited thought provoking reactions from the participants.
Practical illustrations were given to issues as well as solutions proffered. The conference afforded participants opportunity of having on the spot information regarding happenings/challenges in the right of way practices in both public and private sectors of our economy.
At the end of the various presentations, awards and certificates of attendance/participation were given to the facilitators and other participants.
Thereafter, the house dissolved into the Annual General Meeting which was strictly for registered members of the chapter. This was presided over by the President – ESV. Emmanuel Mark. Various issues within the past year were reviewed. These include, attendance of the International Conference in Edmonton, Canada, Business Luncheon organized for the presentation of RWA certification to deserving members and also the Certification Training (IRWA Credentialing Course) held in Abuja.
A report was presented by the President. The growth in membership and level of activities were specifically applauded by members. Preparations towards impressive attendance of the forthcoming International Conference in Portland, Oregon were reviewed, while members were encouraged to be financially up to date in both local and international dues so as to reap the full benefits of membership.
Finally, elections and swearing in of new officers was conducted. The following officers came on board viz:
- ESV. Cosmas Chuks Ezeh RWA - President
- ESV. Kingsley Eghosa Odeh - Vice President
- Surv. Leo C.K. Ugwu - Secretary
- ESV. Nasiru Gaya RWA - Treasurer
- ESV. Emmanuel Mark RWA - International Director
- ESV. Fechi Grant Akunbudu - International Director
The President in his acceptance speech promised to build on the solid foundation already laid as well as craved for members’ support.
The conference events climaxed with a dinner/cultural activities in the evening. It was a huge successs.