Godswill Michael
The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Dr. Samson Opaluwah, has called on young professionals to embrace faith, innovation, and sustainability as the foundation for rebuilding Nigeria.
Opaluwah delivered the call during his convocation address at Bingham University, Karu, on Friday, urging graduates to confront the country’s socio-economic challenges with courage, creativity, and responsibility.
Speaking on the theme “Faith, Innovation, and Sustainability: Building a Resilient Future for Nigeria,” he painted a stark picture of the nation the graduands are entering.
He noted that Nigeria currently has a population of 238 million, projected to rise to 450 million by 2050, placing the country among the three most populous nations globally.
The country also grapples with a maternal mortality rate of 993 deaths per 100,000 deliveries, between 10.5 and 20 million out-of-school children, a multidimensional poverty rate affecting 133 million citizens, and a housing deficit estimated between 17 and 28 million units. Life expectancy remains low at 55 years, while the economy, with a GDP of $364 billion, ranks 41st globally and third in Africa after Egypt and South Africa.
Despite these challenges, Opaluwah encouraged graduates to remain optimistic and proactive.
“I firmly believe that by merging our faith with innovative thinking and sustainable practices, we can forge a resilient future for our dear country, Nigeria,” he said.
Faith: The Engine of Hope and Courage
Opaluwah emphasized that faith must be the foundation for national transformation.
“Faith is not just a religious virtue; it is the engine of hope and courage. Nigeria’s story demands a generation of people who can believe beyond the limits of what they see,” he said.
He reminded graduates that even when the road ahead is unclear, they should move forward confidently: “You may not see the road ahead clearly, but walk it in faith, knowing that God sees what you cannot see.”
Opaluwah highlighted that Christian universities, like Bingham University, equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with spiritual armour to navigate the complexities of life and nation-building.
Innovation: Reflecting God’s Creative Power
Linking innovation to divine identity, Opaluwah told graduates that, as humans created in God’s image, they are called to be creators and problem-solvers.
“As children of the Most High, we are called to reflect His creative power. Innovation is not just about technology. It is about Kingdom-minded problem solving,” he said, cautioning that Nigeria cannot be rebuilt by recycling old ideas for new challenges.
He urged the graduates to tackle problems in technology, agriculture, renewable energy, business, ministry, and community life, while asking themselves how they can improve the lives of others.
Sustainability: Stewardship of God’s Creation
Opaluwah described sustainability as a moral and spiritual responsibility.
“Sustainability is not only about climate, but also about wise, Godly stewardship of resources, relationships, time, and Truth,” he said, reminding the graduands that they are caretakers of God’s creation and must act accordingly.
Faith-Driven Innovation in Action
The CORBON Chairman cited examples of Nigerian Christian innovators to illustrate how faith can drive transformation. He mentioned Folorunsho Alakija, whose work in oil, fashion, and philanthropy supports widows and orphans; Cosmas Maduka, founder of Coscharis Group, a leading auto and agriculture conglomerate; Dr. Ernest Madu, a cardiologist whose faith-based health initiatives promote affordable, high-quality care; and Dr. Anne Bassey, who has advanced maternal health in rural communities through Christian medical outreach.
He also highlighted emerging fields such as peacebuilding, environmental stewardship, and digital evangelism, where faith-driven innovation is already impacting Nigerian society.
CORBON’s Role in National Development
Opaluwah used the occasion to outline CORBON’s contributions to nation-building. The Council has strengthened its code of conduct for registered builders, promoted ethical leadership through workshops and seminars, and expanded local and international collaborations in training, research, and professional development.
He highlighted CORBON’s 2025 MoU with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to enhance global knowledge exchange, the launch of digital platforms like the Builder’s Management Portal (BuMaP) and iReg to streamline registration and compliance, and modern training programs focused on sustainable construction practices.
CORBON has also prioritised sustainability, advocating green building, climate-resilient designs, and vocational training in eco-friendly construction methods in partnership with organizations like GIZ, which has trained 50,000 artisans. The Council actively participates in national dialogues on urban development, disaster risk reduction, and environmental stewardship, demonstrating a holistic approach that integrates faith, innovation, and sustainability.
A Call to Action for Graduates
Addressing the graduands directly, Dr. Opaluwah urged them to cultivate prayer, discipline, curiosity, courage, and emotional resilience. He challenged them to ask:
“How can I solve a challenge in my community? How can I make life better for others through business, ideas, ministry, advocacy, etc.?”
“Therefore, go and build the future, not just with bricks and blueprints, but with the Spirit of God!” he concluded, inspiring the new graduates to become agents of positive change in Nigeria.
Read also:Construction Industry Key to Nigeria’s Prosperity, Says CORBON
