Twenty-eight-year-old Anas Abdullahi Makera is a young and brilliant architect; a diploma certificate holder in Architecture from Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic who dreams of becoming a better designer by the day.
The Katsina-born indigene is the brain behind the newly redesigned and reconstructed Kano roundabout that was demolished by the present administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Daily Trust Saturday reported that the demolition of the roundabout which sits just by the entrance of the state’s Government House has elicited a lot of reactions from members of the public and commentators.
Speaking about his nurturing, upcoming career and himself in general, Makera who hails from Dutsinma in Katsina State, said he grew up with the love for drawing, art and design.
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He said, “I specialise in drawing, art and design. I started from scratch to now using the computer. I grew up envisaging with great passion that one day, I will be recognised nationally if not globally, dolling out pieces of good works that would sooth the mind and captivate hearts.
“All thanks be to God Almighty who gave me this gift that very few have. Like I said, it all started with a passion.
“I have been using the computer for at last seven years now while I have been drawing since I was tender. Many people looked at what I was doing as a waste of time but those who knew that there is a future in it keep encouraging me. I remain focused, practice all the time and I learn everyday.”
Speaking about the roundabout, his inspiration and how he got there, he said it’s the will of God and it was something he never planned for but his piece of work done with due diligence got him an offer to touch the main course.
“Before we come to that roundabout outside the Government House, we started with a fountain inside the Government House.
“Looking at how we redesigned and modernised the fountain inside, they requested us to also look at the one outside to see how we can improve the design.
“I first designed it in the computer then took it and compared in a motion tracking. When I realised that the new one had taken over the old one, I then forwarded it as a proposal and it was approved.
“The inspiration came from how I looked at the state. First, what is the symbol or identity of the state? For me, it’s business and it takes pride in tradition. So, I took the two. If you look closely, the upper part looks like a pyramid based on the groundnut pyramid we have.
“I was asked if I’m sure the design would come out exactly as I designed it and I gave the assurance. I spoke to our engineers and finally here it is: a reality.
“I also wrote a brief about the roundabout; it is pasted on a board there for the purpose of more comprehension and for visitors as well as those who do not identify or relate with it, to easily know what it is about and symbolises.”
Makera, though satisfied, is craving for more good works like the one he had executed. He said he yearns for more work as he is presently working on so many project proposals in states that are yet to materialise.
“This is the first project I did that is implemented successfully. I have others that are just proposals so I am very proud of it.
“I love looking at problems and providing solutions; which is part of what propels my love for architecture. I have designed so many things like multipurpose tractor to ease agricultural processing.
“I have met with so many influential leaders, who have accepted my proposals but not approved yet because of government bureaucracy and all of that.”
The young architect added that while he foresees the future to be brighter, he hopes that one day, he will be remembered for taking part in designing more impactful projects that would stand the test of time and have his name written in the books of history.
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