CORBON advises facility managers on maintenance culture

The Chairman of the Council for Registered Builders of Nigeria, Dr Samson Opaluwah, has called for a transformative shift in the country’s maintenance culture.

He disclosed this recently at the launch of three of his books on facilities management.

The event was held in Abuja to mark Opaluwah’s 70th birthday.

He expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and the nation of Nigeria for enabling his extensive career.

“I wish to thank God, the nation of Nigeria, and my family for the opportunity given to me to study, serve, and contribute my quota to the development of our country in many areas,” he stated.

He narrated his professional journey and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced practices in facilities management.

Opaluwah described the launched books, the Principles and Practice of Facilities Management in Nigeria; Health Facilities Management in Africa; and Sports Facilities Management in Africa, as compendiums of his practical experience in the field of facility management.

“These three books, when properly studied, understood, and applied, will address the often stated and unacceptable tag of our country as one that has a poor maintenance culture,” he stated.

He said that inadequate knowledge and skills in facilities management had contributed to the country’s ongoing challenges.

“My experience while faced with practice in these specialised areas was that of lack of an adequate body of knowledge of the theory, professional guidelines, and practice tools for the effective delivery of Facility Management Services,” he lamented.

Opaluwah urged stakeholders to utilise the insights from his books to foster a culture of excellence in facilities management across Nigeria.

He stressed, “Having successfully navigated that terrain with commendation at every station, I considered it incumbent on me to document my experience and provide the necessary body of knowledge and practice tools for my colleagues and those coming into the profession after us.”

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Sports, John Enoh, acknowledged the critical role of facilities management in sports development.

“The proper management of sports facilities is essential for creating a commitment for athletes to train, compete, and excel,” he remarked.

Enoh underscored the importance of strategic planning and efficient management in ensuring the long-term viability of sports facilities, urging collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance sports infrastructure.

Enoh challenged business leaders to take a proactive approach to sports facility management, stating, “I want to challenge our businessmen to find somebody who will manage this entire stadium, who is ready to give it to the person, as long as it’s going to be value for money.”

The book reviewer, Dr Theophilus Abbah, lauded Opaluwah for his dedication to improving facilities management standards in Nigeria.

“These books on facilities management would not be the first set from Opaluwah; he has written several pamphlets on Christian life,” he noted, highlighting the depth and breadth of Opaluwah’s contributions to the field.

He added that Opaluwah’s books would not only serve as a testament to his expertise but also act as vital resources for practitioners.