The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor and Managing Director of Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC), Arc. Abiodun Fari-Arole has been honoured with a Distinguished Professional Award by the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Ogun State Chapter, for his immense contribution to the built sector.

Presenting the award in Abeokuta, the Past Chairman of the Association, Dr. Abiola Tonade at the inauguration of the new Executives, Presentation of Awards and 2022 Professional Summit with the theme: "Curbing the Menace of Building Collapse in Nigeria", said the nomination of the awardee was based on his selfless service and performance since his appointment.

Delivering a speech, the guest speaker who is also the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL. Olatunji Odulami highlighted the causes of building collapse to include natural factors such as earthquake, hurricane, tornadoes, landslides, flooding, fire and structural weakness of building and man- made factors which are faulty or poor designs, use of quack builders, among others.

TPL. Odulami said the challenges could be curbed if proper vetting of plans at the building construction stage were monitored by government officials, saying any one found wanting should be adequately penalised.

Responding after the conferment of the award, the OPIC boss, Arc. Fari- Arole, represented by the Director, Inter Agency and Liason Matters in the Corporation, Barr. Oluwaseyi Sokoya said the award would encourage him to do more in the built environment, noting that the collaborative efforts of the Association would also be needed in curbing the menace in Nigeria.

Fari-Arole said the agency would continue to engage its professional prowess in ensuring quality housing for all in the State.