By Ikenna Nwokedi
The project manager midwifing the construction of the ongoing Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy building project has described the ongoing building work as a gigantic, unique and signature project that will further showcase the institution to the globe.
Architect Sam Ibenegbu, MD/CEO of Adiak Engineering Services Ltd made the remarks on Monday, 8th July 2024 during an exclusive interview session with journalists at the site of the construction project opposite the Basil Oli University Hostel.
Arch. Ibenegbu informed that the ongoing project has two buildings with the main building made up of classrooms for lecture purposes, offices for both teaching and non-teaching staff, an open courtyard, modern conveniences, a cafeteria on display and provision for cultural activities. The contractor also disclosed that the second building has an auditorium capable of accommodating 1000 persons for bigger events such as seminars, workshops and conferences.
Arch. Ibenegbu further disclosed that the ongoing project has eight classrooms with one of the classrooms converted to a bigger room to serve unique purposes when the project is completed.
The building expert stated that the project commenced towards the ending of 2023 year but owing to the weather conditions such as adverse rainfalls and the terrain of the site, the construction work was put on hold and recommenced in January 2024 with the target date of completion scheduled for ending of the year.
Ibenegbu said: “The Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy building project is a gigantic and unique one which I can describe as a signature project for the institution when it is completed. The ongoing building project has the main building with eight classrooms for lecture purposes with one of the classes converted for unique purposes, there are offices for the staff of the University, an open courtyard, modern conveniences and cafeteria on display. The second building is were the auditorium is domiciled with a sitting capacity for 1000 persons.
“Our target is for the project to be completed by the end of the year as we initially commenced the project late last year but owing to rainfalls and the terrain of the site, we had to tarry a bit as mobility by earth moving machines was a challenge, however we returned to site in January this year and we are hopeful of achieving our target,” He said.
Ibenegbu lamented that increase in cost of building materials almost on daily basis is majorly the challenge in the ongoing project, he however thanked the University for the opportunity to undertake the construction work while also emphasizing that his construction firm is committed towards delivering quality in construction services in the course of the building project.
The Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy building project is being facilitated by H.E. Chief Emeka Anyaoku and bankrolled as a goodwill project by Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s friends and well wishers. The foundation stone laying of the building project was performed by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone on Friday, 31st May 2024 during the 18th Convocation ceremony of the University.
