Dr. Samson Opaluwah, the Chairman of the Council for Registered Builders of Nigeria, has called for a national shift in the maintenance culture of Nigeria amid the launch of three of his books on facilities management. This event, which coincided with Opaluwah’s 70th birthday, took place in Abuja and served as a platform for him to reflect on his life’s work and his gratitude towards his family, God, and the nation. He expressed appreciation for the opportunities he received that allowed him to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development, spanning various sectors throughout his career.
In his remarks, Opaluwah emphasized the pressing need for improved practices in facilities management within the country. He presented his new publications—“The Principles and Practice of Facilities Management in Nigeria,” “Health Facilities Management in Africa,” and “Sports Facilities Management in Africa”—as comprehensive reflections of his professional experiences. He underscored the idea that these works contain valuable insights that can help address Nigeria’s longstanding issues with poor maintenance culture. Opaluwah articulated that the lack of adequate knowledge and professional guidelines in facilities management has exacerbated these challenges.
He lamented the inadequate body of knowledge available for effective facilities management in Nigeria, noting his personal encounters with such shortcomings during his professional journey. Highlighting the significance of these books, he urged stakeholders in the construction and facilities management sectors to leverage the insights provided to cultivate a culture of excellence in the management of facilities throughout Nigeria. By sharing his experiences and the knowledge he has gained, he aims to equip upcoming professionals in the field with the tools necessary for success.
During the event, the Minister of Sports, John Enoh, also recognized the integral role that efficient facilities management plays in sports development. Enoh emphasized that the proper oversight of sports facilities is vital to encouraging athletes to train and excel in their disciplines. He pointed out that strategic planning and management are essential for the sustainability of these facilities and called for collaboration from both the public and private sectors to improve sports infrastructure across the country.
Furthermore, Enoh challenged business leaders to adopt proactive stances concerning the management of sports facilities, suggesting that they should explore options for outsourcing this responsibility to reliable managers who can deliver value for investment. His comments highlighted the need for greater engagement from the business community in ensuring that Nigeria’s sports infrastructure is not only well-maintained but also capable of supporting the nation’s sporting ambitions.
The significance of Opaluwah’s contributions to the field of facilities management was echoed by book reviewer Dr. Theophilus Abbah, who praised Opaluwah for his commitment to elevating standards in Nigeria’s facilities management practices. Abbah noted that Opaluwah’s authorship extends beyond these new works, as he has previously written pamphlets on Christian life, underscoring his diverse contributions to literature and the community. By producing these books, Opaluwah not only cements his expertise but also provides invaluable resources for practitioners and stakeholders in the facilities management sector, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
