‘APBN response to national needs’

Mr. Emmanuel Durodola,
Oyo State Coordinator, APBN

The Oyo State Coordinator of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Durodola, in this interview with Tinuola Ayanniyi, Deputy Editor, Nigerian Tribune, speaks on the activities of the body and what it is doing to make impacts in the society. Excerpts.

When did As sociation of Professional Bodies of Nigeria start?
The body was born out of the need for the creation of a unified body of professionals to render advice to government on national policy issues. The non existence of parallel national body or association embracing various professional organisations in Nigeria, which can be called up by government to advise it. These yearnings and aspiration gave rise to the coming together of like minds within the chamber movement (Professional Group of Lagos Chambers of Commerce Industry).

It may be instructive to delve briefly into the history of the genesis of the professional mind in the Nigerian arena. Shortly before the after independence in 1960, some notable Nigerians like Sir Akintola Williams, S.O. Fadahunsi and Adekunle Kukoyi, made earliest attempt to bring together different professionals from various background because of lack of understanding of those professionals on what should be the rallying point. Owing to the steadfast of Mr. Adekunle Kukoyi, (later to become the first president of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria but now of blessed memory), the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry created a committee for the professional group as one of the committees of the Lagos Chamber, to promote and monitor the interest of members who were strictly not businessmen. It was this group that later became what is known today as Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria.

What is the mission of the association?
Our mission is to promote professionalism and development issues through interactions, cooperation and commitment to set objectives for the advancement of the professions and the development of the nation at large. To realise this mission statement, the association created awareness for professionals to respond to contemporary responsibilities that will make them distinguished in their service delivery. The philosophy of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) is the umbrella body of government recognised professional association body in Nigeria which promotes cooperation among them. It plays active role in the socio-economic planning process and development of Nigeria.

My association, whenever need arises, do speak with one voice on behalf of its members — bodies which at the same time gives professional and relevant technical advice to government on matters affecting the professionals and their practices.

When did Oyo State chapter of APBN start?
Even though, the body was not new in Nigeria, the Oyo State chapter started in 2005 when the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors sent out invitation to professional bodies in the state for its establishment. At the first meeting six professional bodies attended and showed interest in its formation. Poor response almost led to demise of the state’s chapter in its early years. Early 2007, concerted effort was made to attract members to meeting of the chapter which yielded positive result. 11 professional bodies have identified with the body in drafting its bye-law and by March this year the national body shall be invited to come and inaugurate the state chapter. One of the members of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria is Nigerian institution of surveyors. As a member of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, what are the causes of boundary disputes?
Boundary dispute is a claim between two parcels of land. Surveyors delineate what has been shown and take measurement accordingly. Boundary dispute arises when two individuals are claiming same land. This situation arises as a result of greed, self centredness and need.

What has led to infiltration into the profession by quacks?
Quacks are not surveyors. The nature of surveying cannot do the job alone, semi-skilled personnel are needed to carry out the job. Quacks have some ideas about the job which they translate into competence to do what they are not qualified. It is difficult to refer to them as quacks until an endorsement comes from qualified personnel. If a qualified person endorses on incompetent plan – if any problem arises the professional will be held responsible and disciplined many who get into such mess. The erring member is dealt with by the regulatory body called Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON). There is money in surveying. The profession is not for lazy people. My advice for members is that money should not hold the prime place in the discharge of their duty. Whatsoever will make them to endorse illegality should be avoided. You can make neat money when you do things base on professional ethics enforcement in all business transactions. Neat money is there for surveyors to make.

Kenyan’s violence unsettles markets

VIOLENT pro tests against the outcome of Kenya's presidential election have caused a sell-off in the country's currency and sent key stocks falling.

The Kenyan shilling dropped 7per cent against the US dollar after the opening of the foreign exchange market was delayed.

Kenya's stock exchange also opened late, while the world's biggest tea auction, held weekly in the port city of Mombasa, has been postponed.

President Mwai Kibaki has been accused of vote-rigging to win the election.

Violence has broken out across Kenya with at least 250 people killed as Mr Kibaki's supporters have clashed with those of opposition leader Raila Odinga.

With no clear cut election result, there is a lot of uncertainty and the market is looking shaky.

Kenya is in East Africa's largest economy. It relies largely on tourism and agriculture for growth, but it is also a regional centre for manufacturing and financial services.

Kenya's currency fell to 68 shillings against the US dollar from 63.50 on 24 December, the last day of trading before the new year.

ACI Kenya, the body representing local money market makers, said it had discussed delaying currency trading with the country's central bank.

It wanted to give commercial banks time to talk with clients and assess their currency requirements, and possible demand levels for the US dollar.

"With no clear cut election result, there is a lot of uncertainty and the market is looking shaky," said ACI chairman Bryan Muigai.

Many investors will be looking to buy dollars as they are seen as a safer investment and asset than the Kenyan shilling in times of turmoil.

Stock traders also sold shares in major Kenyan firms, with Barclays Bank of Kenya shedding 5per cent to 75 shillings, and Kenya Commercial Bank declining 6per cent to 26 shillings, according to a Nairobi Stock Exchange official.

The country's benchmark index NSE-20 index is priced once a day at the close at 1200 GMT.

Business leaders have warned that the government will lose about 2bn shillings ($31,000) a day in tax revenues for every day companies have to stay closed due to the strife.