The Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Abuja branch on Saturday, (12th October) held an investiture to inaugurate its 13th branch leadership, marking a historic moment as ESV Folake Rashidat Odusiga became the first female chairman in the branch’s 32-year history.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together prominent figures, including the National President of NIESV, ESV Victor Adekunle, who emphasised the importance of gender balance in leadership.
His remarks celebrated ESV Odusiga’s achievements and dedication, while also reinforcing the institution’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for both men and women in the field of estate surveying and valuation.
The 26th National President of NIESV, ESV Victor Adekunle, in his address during the ceremony, emphasising the importance of Odusiga’s role as a trailblazer for gender equality in the profession.
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“For those of us who believe in gender balance, which is that what a man can do, a woman can do, and even do better, this is a special day for us. We are actually very happy,” he said.
You bear the hallmark of being the first female chairman of the branch since its establishment 32 years ago,” he said, noting how her investiture marked a new chapter for the Abuja branch and its members.
He also noted that this achievement was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice, not just by Odusiga but by the branch’s past leadership as well.
Adekunle encouraged Odusiga to build on the existing structures and accomplishments of her predecessors, urging her to leave a lasting legacy.
In her opening speech, ESV Folake Odusiga expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the 13th chairman of the Abuja branch. She acknowledged the weight of the responsibility that comes with the office and reaffirmed her commitment to an inclusive administration that would prioritise growth, transformation, and capacity building.
She outlined plans for the branch’s future, with an emphasis on membership development and capacity building as core priorities as she said to foster a culture of inclusivity, where all members, regardless of gender, can contribute to the branch’s success.
The chairman of the occasion, Engr. E.S. Kayode, in his remarks noted some expectations for estate surveyors and valuers in the FCT, particularly in addressing urban development challenges and promoting sustainability. He called on the new leadership to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth while engaging with key stakeholders to drive innovation in the real estate sector.
Kayode urged the members of the branch to actively support the new leadership, share their expertise, and participate in the ongoing transformation efforts.
Also speaking in an interview, the Registrar of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board, ESV Janet Shehu, advised the new chairman to promote teamwork and collaboration for her administration to succeed.
Speaking after the event, celebrity guest and former professional footballer, John Fashanu, shared his excitement and admiration for ESV Folake Odusiga.
As an English television presenter, Fashanu expressed his delight at being part of such a historic occasion.
He commended Odusiga’s dedication and resilience to becoming the first female chairman of NIEVS, abuja branch.
In a touching moment, a 10-year-old boy, Alamin Shettima, presented a poem dedicated to ESV Folake Odusiga, inspired by her pioneering role as the first female chairman of NIESV Abuja branch.
“I wrote this poem for her because she is an inspiration to me and many people,” Alamin said, capturing the admiration and respect that Odusiga’s leadership has already begun to inspire in the younger generation.
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