Embrace Diligence, Self Development- Tagwai Urges Young Architects

The Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA,
Arc. Bature Tagwai,
has challenged young Nigerian architects to embrace diligence, thoroughness, and continuous self-improvement as the cornerstones for a successful career.

Tagwai, who was recently conferred with the prestigious status of a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, FNIA, described architecture as a demanding profession where hard work and meticulous attention to detail are paramount.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Abuja , the FCDA Director advised young professionals to focus on self-driven education and global awareness.

Tagwai said that architecture demands a high level of personal commitment with no tolerance for laxity.

“Architecture does not condone laziness. You have to be prompt, you have to be decisive, you have to be diligent in whatever design situation you may find yourself. Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for architects to actively enrich their knowledge, saying
you have to be very thorough in whatever you do.

“Architecture is a course whereby you don’t wait for people to teach you, teach yourself. You try to upgrade your capacity.”

“Architects must strive to know what is happening in the modern building environment globally including Dubai, China and others..

“This includes continuous self-education to enhance performance in the use of building materials like roofing materials, curtain walls, and painting where innovation is constant.

“In so doing, you’ll be successful depending on the opportunity or privileged opportunity that come your way,” he said.

On his recent recommendation and conferment as a fellow of FNIA, Tagwai described it as a product of merit, recalling how he won two major prizes while studying at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria.

One of the awards, according to him, was the best architectural contribution in traditional Nigerian architecture, noting that his master’s thesis focused on the Gbagi Traditional Architectural concept with a case study of Abuja.

He also disclosed that his public service career started with the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, in 1992, where he rose through the ranks to Deputy Director before his recent elevation and confirmation as the Director of Public Building by the FCT Minister.

He expressed gratitude and pledged to utilize his remaining time in government to showcase his experience and contribute to the younger generation.

Speaking on his experience working under the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Arc. Tagwai described it as “strictly official” but a “special privilege.””

He commended the minister for confirming his elevation to the position of director and for appreciating hard work and commitment, which he said had resulted in a visible and rapid transformation of the Abuja landscape.

“I am a lucky privileged gentleman because I get so excited to work with somebody who appreciates hard work, who appreciate human feelings.

While wishing Nigerians, especially the Christians, compliments of the season, Tagwai expressed the need for unity, collaboration, and partnership, saying a tree cannot make a forest.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji