Today marks a moment of pride, nostalgia, and professional fulfilment as I had the rare honour of administering the Oath of Investiture for an Honorary Fellowship of the NIA on none other than my friend, brother, and classmate, Arc. Manilius Roxy Oyetokunbo Garber, the President of the Sierra Leone Institute of Architects (SLIA).
Garber and I were both admitted into the Department of Architecture at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1977, and we proudly graduated as members of the Class of 1982. Fondly known in our school days as “Saro Bobo,” Garber stood out, not just for his talent, but for his spirit of exploration and ambition. It is no surprise that his illustrious career has since taken him across the globe.
He has practised architecture in Nigeria, Scotland, Botswana, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Seychelles, earning him the well-deserved moniker, “The Nomadic Architect.” His work reflects the universal language of design and the global relevance of African architectural talent.
That we both sit today as Presidents of the foremost architectural bodies in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, four decades after our academic journey began, is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the enduring power of professional friendships.
To the younger generation of architects, let this moment inspire you: your classmates today could be global changemakers tomorrow. Nurture your passion, value your peers, and never underestimate where your journey can lead.
Congratulations once again, Saro Bobo. The Nigerian Institute of Architects is proud to count you among its Honorary Fellows.
SOURCE : IN HOUSE
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