The new president of Lagos chapter of International Facility Management

Association (IFMA), Mr. Lekan Akinwumi, has urged facility managers to focus on building stronger relationship and active collaboration among practitioners to move the industry forward.

He gave this charge during his acceptance speech at the association’s yearly general meeting in Lagos. Akinwumi assured that in the next two years, the association hopes to develop core areas such as establishing sellable research that could also be a source of income to the association, establish more collaboration with individuals and organisations.

He disclosed that the new administration would work on expansion of its local training to fix needs, build effective and efficient secretariat to meet the needs of members and public at large.

The new president solicited support of members and encouraged them to be active in the various committees, as well as take the task of professional development as a collective responsibility.

He said: “To whom much is given, much is expected. With all the opportunities and challenges that came with my assumption of office, I am however, confident that this journey, though might not be always smooth, but with the calibre of leadership, we have the capacity to deliver.

Working, as a team would give us an edge and right positioning in the economic scheme of Nigeria, as we endeavour to preserve all levels of infrastructures. We cannot achieve without your support, criticism and encouragements. We shall handle them with a high sense of value.”

Akinwumi acknowledged tremendous initiatives undertaken by the previous leaders, adding that they served as inspiration and a challenge.

In a valedictory speech, the immediate past president of IFMA, Mr. Segun Adebayo, appreciated collaborators and partners who had contributed to the success achieved during his tenure.

He said: “Our collective resolve and commitment as a forward-thinking association through our renewed purpose has not only deepened our relevance but also enhanced the growth and development of the Facility Management space.”

Adebayo congratulated the new council members, adding that he is convinced of collective ability to take the

association to a greater and enviable height.