BY CHUKS COLLINS, AWKA
THE panel of professionals set up by the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, owners of a five-storey building that collapsed on June 12, 2024, to criticality look into the unfortunate incident has since commenced its assignment.
Tagged, ‘Centenary Building,’ the building was being undertaken by the Old Boys Association of the popular Denis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha.
The Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev Owens Nwokolo, made this known during a press conference at the school premises, after visiting the site, alongside other Anglican Bishops in Anambra State, led by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim.
While thanking everyone for their prayers, expression of love and encouragement, Nwokolo announced a nine-member panel of successful and seasoned experts in building and estate development/management around the country, headed by a Judge of the Court of Appeal, Justice Pete Obiora, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the structure, charging members to bring their years of experience to bear in the assignment.
The Bishop, who looked visibly touched by the tragedy, said he was consoled by minimal casualty, even as he urged everyone to join the church in thanksgiving prayers to the Almighty God for taking away what would have been a big shame and embarrassment.
The panel was given 30 days within which to submit its report.
The building, which was sponsored by the Old Boys Association of the DMGS as their signature project for the celebration of the school’s centenary next year, collapsed about 1a.m. on June 12, 2024.
