News

Interior Designers Urge Stakeholders To Embrace Multigenerational Futuristic Approach

Published

7 months ago

June 3, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) has said there is the need to safeguard the future of interior design in Nigeria, by embracing a blend of multigenerational and futuristic aesthetics and designs to drive inclusion.

President of the association, Dr Jennifer Chukwujekwu, stated this at an event to celebrate the 2024 World Interiors Day, on Friday in Lagos.

The IDAN President challenged members and the Design community to be more intentional about their Design Principles and even as she said their work can used as initiators of change in society, through design advocacy.

She asserted that stakeholders across the interior design ecosystem had the unique privilege and duty to shape an environment that would foster connection, inclusivity and well-being.

According to her, designs must go beyond the present, anticipate the needs of future generations, as well as honour the legacy of those who lived in the past.

Naijablitznews.com reports that May 25, has been set aside annually to commemorate ‘World Interiors Day’, and this year, the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (I.F.I), selected the theme “The Growing G

enerational Gap: Improved Multi-Generational Future”.

According to her, this year’s theme is calling on designers’ to create spaces that would reflect aesthetical aspirations and meet the functional needs of people across all ages.

She said: While trends come and go, the essence of good design is timeless, and we should strive to create spaces that blend contemporary style with classic elements, ensuring they remain relevant and appealing across generations.

“We must embrace inclusive design principles, ensuring that our spaces are accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

“This includes thoughtful considerations for mobility, sensory needs and comfort.

“Our designs should celebrate cultural heritage and diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of our society”.

Chukwujekwu said that by using traditional elements and local craftsmanship, designers would create spaces that would resonate with a sense of identity and continuity.

She therefore, emphasized the need for stakeholders across the interior design ecosystem to embrace sustainability practices and integrate technology in envisioning the future of interior design.

“The integration of technology in our designs must be thoughtful and forwardthinking; from smart home systems to adaptive lighting and climate control, we need to ensure our spaces are equipped to evolve with technological advancements.

“Let us commit to continuing our professional development, staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies, and always striving for excellence in our craft.

“Together, we can design a future that bridges generations, creating environments that nurture, inspire and endure”, the IDAN President said.

In her address, Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, emphasized the need for stakeholders to commit to designing with empathy, sensitivity and inclusivity.

She said there is the need to create spaces that would meet the functional needs of all ages, inspire and connect people across generations.

According to her, this would help create of a future where generations would lead, learn and trade together, enriching communities.

“We are united by shared love for design and our collective commitment to fostering an environment that showcases the richness of diverse generational perspectives, using our creative talents to bridge the gaps that exist between generations.

“By doing so, we can create more harmonious and inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and understood.

“The theme of today’s event points to an inherent challenge: the communication gap between different age groups which can lead to misunderstanding, isolation or loss of valuable knowledge and experience.

“However, design has a pathway to address and overcome these challenges, and in creating spaces that encourage dialogue and interaction, we can facilitate greater understanding and cooperation between generations, ensuring that wisdom of the past is not lost,” adeleye said.

The Treasurer of IDAN, Titi Fowora, said that the association was determined to be a steward of the environment by advancing the built environment in trans-generational design practices.

“The idea is to leave the environment better that one met it; hence, the importance of using materials that are sustainable, eco-friendly, recyclable and reusable.

“We have to be as green as possible, as forward-thinking as possible, and design not just for ourselves but design for the future so that people do not feel the need to constantly reinvent the wheel or re-design,” she said.

Also, Professor of Architecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Dolapo Amole, that there was the need to fill the gaps in design created by generational differences to drive harmony, productivity, innovation and a strong community.

Prof. Amole said: “In design, bridging the gap is understanding the differences, adopting technology, providing variety of spaces, amenities and opportunities and an inclusive process to preserve the future of design”.

Also the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Andrew Adeniji encouraged all practicing Interior Design Professionals to get registered and join IDAN while listing out some of the vital benefits of joining the association as the sole global voice and authority for Interior professionals in Nigeria.

Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s theme is a call to action on issues such as accessibility, inclusion, diversity, wellness and safety.

It is also to showcase their commitment to the profession and the importance of design in the settings and surroundings of homes, institutions and communities.

The 2024 IFI World Interiors Day had in attendance professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to acknowledge, uplift, and applaud design for interiors and its influence.

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”