• As Oyo urges NIESV to deal with quacks in estate agency

The Chairman, Lagos branch, Women’s Wing, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Olufowobi Olawumi, has charged women to devote time and resources towards personal development to attain enviable height in the profession.  She said women should overcome the fear that prevents them from venturing into the profession, especially the challenge from men, adding that the profession is basically for women. 

 
Olufowobi made the call at an award of honour and breakfast meeting organised by the women’s wing of NIESV to recognise the first female chairman of Lagos branch of NIESV, Mrs. Olabisi Demola-Alade in Lagos. 
 
The chairman emphasised that women in the profession must be determined, courageous and hard working to succeed, invest in regular training and get ready for available job or contracts. 
   
Olufowobi said: “Most people in the society believe that the estate surveying and valuation job is only for men. These demoralises women not to venture into the profession. When we were in school, out of about 100 of us that graduated, the female were more than male, but not many of them are practicing the profession. 
   
“In the history of NIESV Lagos State, we have the first female chairman and she has displayed good leadership role. This is the reason we are trying to educate other women to have understanding of what it takes to be a good leader in the profession, society and at family levels. As a woman, you can be a good leader.”
 
She further said the branch plans to increase the number of women from the present 100, adding that the Lagos chapter is encouraging women to become associate and fellows of the institution.
 
Speaking on women and their leadership role in the society, a partner at Knight Frank, Mrs. Omelime Agatha, said it has been proven that women perform better in leadership position, hence, she urged them to join the profession.
   
She said: “A leader must know the way, go the way and show the way women must aspire to. Women must have value of love, honesty, be courageous and show respect. Don’t look down on people. You should learn to apologise when mistakes occur. Leaders must mentor and be able to assist. A good leader is as good as a good husband in the home.”
   
The Director, Lands Services, Lagos Lands Bureau, Mrs. Joy Olufunmilayo Awe, also advised leaders to imbibe the attribute of positive action and make their followers have a sense of belonging in decision-making process. 
   
She said women in leadership positions must show empathy irrespective of situation they find themselves.   Awe said: “You can’t be a good mother without being a good leader. Women must encourage themselves to brace up and use their leadership role well, when given the opportunity. No leadership style is perfect and so there is need for flexibility rather than rigidity. A leader must be able to carry the subordinate along, respect everyone and encourage the fellowers to do their jobs and achieve set out goals” A highlight of the forum was presentation of awards to the guest speakers and Mrs. Demola-Alade. 

MEANWHILE, Oyo State government has lamented the activities of quacks in the real estate profession, vowing that he will not relent until quacks are dealt with.
 
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, raised the concern, while receiving the national leadership of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) during a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Housing Development and Delivery.
 
The team, which was led by NIESV President, Johnbull Amayaevbo, had  the Oyo State Chairman, Seyi Adebayo and others in the entourage. The deputy governor said he would continually frown at activities of quacks until something is done, saying quacks are debasing the profession.
   
The deputy governor said: ‘’My concern is the incidents of quacks in estate agency profession. There are more quacks in the profession. You will see those who are just retired hanging boards claiming to be practicing estate agency.  We must frown at this because while some spent many years studying in universities and polytechnics, some who had no training will be claiming to be estate agents. Quacks are debasing the profession.’’
 
The deputy governor urged the institution to set up a disciplinary Committee to deal with quacks.  Amayaevbo lauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s government for its strides in the housing sector.