Anglican Bishops begins probe of Onitsha centenary building collapse

The site of the collapsed Onitsha centenary Building

The Diocese of the Niger, Anglican Communion has set up a high powered panel to critically look into the unfortunate collapse of its five-storey “Centenary Building” at the premises of the popular Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) in Onitsha, Anambra State

This was announced on Tuesday at the school premises by the Bishop of the Niger, Rt Rev Owens Nwokolo, when he visited the crash site alongside other Anglican bishops in Anambra, led by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim.

Thanking everyone for their support, prayers and expression of love, Bishop Nwokolo announced members of the panel were successful seasoned experts in building projects around the country.

According to Nwokolo, the panel is to be chaired by a judge of the Court of Appeal, Justice Pete Obiora, with members including Andy Obianwu, Architect Shed Onwuasoanya, Dr. Azuka Onweluzor and Engr Ofodile Anaeto.

Others are Architect Peter Okpala, Surveyor Samuel Akabogu, Engr. Chukwunonso Igboka and Architect Kingsley Ibekwe.

Nwokolo noted they have versatile and deep knowledge/experience in the building/estate development sector, charging them to bring their years of experience to bear in the assignment.

The cleric noted that he takes consolation in the fact that going by the enormity of the destruction it was miraculous that the casualty was minimal.

Taking consolation in some Bible passages, Bishop Nwokolo noted that “this school is the pride of the Anglican Church family nationwide, and has really helped in the growth and development of this state,nation and humanity”

Listing out the nine point terms of reference for Justice Obiorah which included examining the administrative and technical processes followed in the construction to ensure that proper procedures were followed.

“To study the building plan to ensure that they meet the expected standard, to enquire whether approval was sought and obtained from the approving authority for the building to proceed,” he said.

“To enquire whether the Architectural design of the building was by a qualified Architect registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.

“To enquire whether the Structural Design was by a Structural Engineer Registered by COREN. To enquire whether the building was properly supervised during the actual construction of the project.

“To determine whether the materials (rods)used in the construction underwent a rigorous quality assurance process including testing by the Anambra State materials testing laboratory.

“To make effort to identify the reason/s for the collapse of the building and to ask any other questions that would in their opinion assist in the task.”

The panel was given 30 days within which to submit the report while Nwokolo expressed the readiness of the Church to cooperate with any governmental or professional efforts to unravel why the building went down.

The centenary building which was sponsored by the Old Boys Association of the DMGS as their signature project for the celebration of the school’s 100 years next year collapsed at about 1am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

No reason has, however, been adduced on why the Onitsha centenary Building came down.

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