ESVARBON inducts new estate surveyors, harps on professionalism, integrity

The Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) has called on the newly inducted estate surveyors and valuers to uphold professionalism and integrity in discharging their duties.

Acting Board chairman, Prof. Terzungwe Dugeri, gave the charge recently in Lagos during the Board's 50th Anniversary and the 49th induction ceremony of 382 estate surveyors and valuers.

Speaking to the newly inducted professionals, Dugeri charged them to work diligently and continuously build new skills to remain relevant in a fast-paced economy.

According to him, their capacity to adopt emerging technologies and adapt to environmental changes will determine not just their survival but also whether they remain relevant in the profession.

“As experts in our core specialisms, we must work to stay on top of the game through achieving greater accuracy in the advisories we give using quality data.

“The demands of a sophisticated clientele in an evolving system cannot be met solely with traditional approaches.

“We must adopt technology to enhance the quality of the service we render, and do so ethically as well.

“Technology offered by advancements in Artificial Intelligence brings many opportunities to the estate surveying and valuation profession, and this therefore cannot be seen as a threat.”

READ ALSO: Military launches intelligence course to combat terrorist ambushes

In his keynote address, past chairman of the Board, Sir Nweke Umezuruike, who spoke on “Five decades of regulating the valuation and real estate profession," noted that the issue of funding has been a major constraint to the Board’s operations.

“From inception till now, one of the biggest hindrances to the Board's function is funding. The question has always been about funding.”

Umezuruike, who was represented by Prof. Emoh Fidelis, also called for the digitalization of all records of the Board.

President, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Chief Victor Alonge, who called on the newly inducted professionals to be good ambassadors of the profession, urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and honesty while discharging their duties.

In his charge, Prof. Austin Otebulu said a professional without respect for ethics lacks integrity – adding, “and integrity is our greatest asset.”

According to him, as professional estate surveyors and valuers, they must demonstrate competence, honesty, accountability, and professionalism effectively.

“There is a right way to discharge your duties designed to minimise risk and protect your clients.  Shortcuts may seem harmless, but small lapses in judgment can quickly become major problems if not addressed promptly and effectively.

“The professional frontiers of real estate are shifting from traditional practice to technology-driven analysis, data analytics, sustainability, portfolio diversification, green investment, the blue economy, infrastructure planning and economics, environment, valuation, and strategic advisory.

“Only a practice driven by knowledge, competence, ethics, and integrity will allow us to enjoy the fruits of our professional sustainability.”

Registrar of the Board, Mrs. Janet Shehu, warned against any act of misconduct, stating that the Board will not hesitate to withdraw the seal, stamp, and other instruments of practice in the event of any infractions.

Being the 50th Anniversary, some people were recognized for their service and impact in the sector.

Past presidents of NIESV and past chairmen of the Board were recognized for their service and impact in the sector. They include Mr. Olalekan Dosunmu; Mr. Adetola Olanipekun; Mr. Ladipo Ladapo, Idudu Oghenakpobo; Sangosanya Ayodele, and Gershom Henshaw, former chairmen of ESVARBON.                     

Also recognised are two past Registrars, Mr. Audu Thomas and Uzowanne Ifeanyi.