Ebonyi Hosts 55th NIOB Conference: Nwifuru Positions State as National Vanguard for Construction Standards

Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has emphasized that the state is now the epicenter of a national dialogue on construction standards, professionalism, and sustainable building practices,an achievement made possible through his visionary leadership.

The 55th Annual Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), themed “Advancing Builders’ Knowledge and Skills for Effective Enforcement of Building Regulatory Laws for Sustainable Development”, held in Abakaliki from August 19–23, 2025, was more than a routine professional gathering.

It became a national convergence of stakeholders industry leaders, academics, regulators, contractors, developers, and policymakers, placing Ebonyi firmly on Nigeria’s professional and investment map.

Dr. Boniface Nwankwo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Documentation, noted that the government’s emphasis on enforcing building laws underscores Nigeria’s urgent need to curb building collapses and substandard construction. Hosting the event positioned Ebonyi as a regulatory vanguard, committed to safety, accountability, and sustainable development. "Showcasing Ebonyi’s Transformation Conference participants toured Ebonyi’s modern infrastructure: expansive road networks, urban renewal projects, civic centers, VANCO, and the new ICT varsity. These visits demonstrated the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda in action, reinforcing Ebonyi’s reputation as a living worksite of transformation rather than a state developing only on paper.

"Beyond technical sessions, workshops, and paper presentations, the conference exposed Ebonyi professionals and students to cutting-edge practices in construction technology, quality assurance, and sustainability. Students from universities and technical institutes in the state gained firsthand mentorship and networking opportunities with senior professionals, bridging the gap between academia and industry. "Economic and Branding Gains For several days, Abakaliki trended in professional, policy, and national media cycles. Dr Nwankwo stated. Reports consistently highlighted Ebonyi, its governor, and the state’s infrastructure strides visibility worth far more than paid promotion. "The influx of delegates boosted local businesses: hotels, restaurants, and transport services recorded peak patronage. The newly launched EBOCAB ride-hailing service, the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Ezza, and other transport operators enjoyed high demand, directly expanding the state’s internally generated revenue".

Strategic Positioning for Investment Governor Nwifuru used the opportunity to project a governance model that balances hard infrastructure (roads, hospitals, housing) with soft capital (education, training, regulation, professionalism). The balance according to the Special Assistant to governor Nwifuru on documentation appeals to international investors who demand proof that development is sustainable rather than cosmetic. "By aligning Ebonyi’s narrative with global development goals, Nwifuru positioned the state as a partner of choice for donor agencies, international organizations, and foreign investors. The state’s image of political unity and development-driven leadership further strengthened its attractiveness to global capital. "Beyond a Conference, A Branding Moment The 55th Annual Builders’ Conference was not just a professional meeting; it was a strategic branding opportunity for Ebonyi. It spotlighted the state’s transformation, expanded its investment readiness, and cemented Abakaliki’s place among Nigeria’s emerging conference cities. "Through this successful hosting, Governor Francis Nwifuru demonstrated that Ebonyi is not a peripheral player but an active, investment-ready partner in the global development conversation. By combining conference diplomacy, infrastructure proof-of-work, and people-centered governance, he is steadily placing Ebonyi on the world map".He clarified.