By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An association of facility managers in Nigeria, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Lagos Nigeria Chapter, has elected Mr Olalekan Akinwumi as its president.
Mr Akinwumi, an Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV), is the 14th leader of the group and has promised to focus on establishing sellable research, establishing new collaborations with individuals and organisations and improving on existing ones, expanding the local training to fit the Nigerian environment and building an effective Association as a whole.
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the body, the new president expressed his gratitude for being chosen to lead the group at this moment.
“I am sure that with the collective experience of these eminent persons in this council, it is certain we are going to make a remarkable impact as we are driven to make ‘Talk FM, Do FM in Lagos and Nigeria at large’ a reality.
“I will also like to acknowledge the tremendous initiatives that were undertaken by the previous leaders. Indeed, you are an inspiration, and you have set before us a good challenge.
“We have a responsibility to continue with the great works that you began, and we shall do that and even surpass it with this new team,” he stated.
While making his valedictory speech at the event, the immediate past president of the association, Mr Segun Adebayo, appreciated the collaborators, sponsors, partners, and everyone who had contributed to the success achieved under his leadership from December 2020 when he took over the leadership of the group.
“Our collective resolve and commitment as a forward-thinking Association through our renewed purpose has not only deepened our relevance but also enhanced the growth and development of the facility management space,” he said.
Mr Adebayo congratulated the new council members and expressed confidence that the new team would take the association to a greater and more enviable height.
Also elected into the executive position of the group were Engr. Sheriff Daramola as the Vice President, Mr Donald George as the General Secretary, Mr Hakeem Olaonipekun as the Assistant General Secretary, Engr. Adeniyi Ifaturoti as the Treasurer, and Mr Chinedu Nwachukwu as the Publicity Secretary.
Mr Akinwumi is the founder of Lekan Akinwumi & Co, a qualified ESV with over 20 years of professional experience in property and facilities management, real estate brokerage, valuation and appraisal of properties, as well as consultancy services.
He has a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Estate Management from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and a certificate in project management from the University of Lagos.
He is also a member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ANIVS) and has attended various courses organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), amongst others.
Before this new position, he was the Vice President, General Secretary, Assistance General Secretary and Treasurer of the association.
IFMA Lagos Nigeria Chapter was founded in 1995 by a special group of professionals drawn across the industries within the built environment, including architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, and builders, amongst others, who had a burning desire to provide Nigeria with the opportunity of developing a maintenance culture that will shape the future of the country.