By Charles Igwe
In response to the collapse of the Centenary building at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) in Onitsha, Anambra State, the Bishop of the Niger Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, has established a nine-man investigative panel to determine the cause of the incident. The five-storey building, which was nearing completion, collapsed on June 12, 2024, at approximately 1 a.m., resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two workers at the site.
Bishop Nwokolo announced the formation of the panel following a site visit by seven bishops from the Province of the Niger, led by Bishop Alex Ibezim. The panel is chaired by Hon. Justice Pete Obiora of the Court of Appeal. Other members include Barr. Sir Andy Obianwu (Secretary), Arc. Shed Onwuasoanya, Dr. Azuka Onweluzo, Engr. Ofodile Anieto, Surv. Samuel Akabogu, Engr. Chukwunonso Igboka, and Arc. Kingsley Ibekwe.
The panel’s terms of reference include:
- Examining the administrative and technical processes followed during the building’s construction to ensure proper procedures were adhered to.
- Reviewing the building plans to confirm compliance with expected standards.
- Investigating whether the necessary approvals were obtained from the relevant authorities.
- Ensuring the architectural and structural designs were carried out by qualified professionals registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and COREN, respectively.
- Determining if the building was adequately supervised during construction.
- Assessing the quality assurance processes for materials used, including testing by the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, Awka.
- Identifying the cause of the building’s collapse.
The panel is expected to submit its report within one month from June 17, 2024, the date of its inauguration. Bishop Nwokolo expressed hope that the panel would conduct a thorough and credible investigation.
During the visit to the collapsed site, Bishop Ibezim, accompanied by other bishops, expressed condolences to Bishop Nwokolo for the loss. He prayed for the deceased’s soul to rest in peace and for a swift recovery for the injured. Bishop Ibezim also thanked God for sparing the lives of many students who were on midterm break at the time of the collapse.
This inquiry, supported by the Diocese on the Niger, DMGS authorities, and the school’s alumni, aims to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the disaster. The panel, described by Bishop Nwokolo as composed of credible and knowledgeable individuals, has been given a one-month timeline to deliver their findings.
