The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Dr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah, FNIOB, FNICE, FNSE, FNIM, FICIArb, QAA, FAEng, has called on young professionals across Nigeria to embrace faith, innovation, and sustainability as the foundational pillars for rebuilding the nation.
He delivered the charge during his convocation address at Bingham University, Karu on Friday, urging the new graduates to rise above Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges with courage, creativity, and responsibility.
Speaking on the theme “Faith, Innovation, and Sustainability: Building a Resilient Future for Nigeria,” Opaluwah stressed that the Nigeria the graduands are entering is one confronted by immense challenges, including a population projected to reach 450 million by 2050, 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. Despite these troubling indicators, he affirmed that the pathway to national transformation remains open to a generation grounded in faith and driven by innovation.
“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.
Emphasising the spiritual foundation of nation-building, he added: “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 encouraged graduates to walk boldly into the future even when uncertain, reminding them: “You may not see the road ahead clearly, but walk it in faith, knowing that God sees what you cannot see.”
He tied innovation to divine identity, declaring that as humans created in God’s image, Nigerians must 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. According to him, Nigeria cannot be rebuilt by “recycling old ideas for new challenges,” and graduates must be ready to develop new solutions in technology, agriculture, renewable energy, ministry, business, and community life.
On sustainability, he described it as an extension of humanity’s stewardship mandate, rooted in Scripture.
“Sustainability is not only about climate, but also about wise, Godly stewardship of resources, relationships, time, and Truth,” he said, adding that Nigerians must recognize themselves as caretakers of God’s creation and act accordingly.
The CORBON Chairman illustrated how faith-driven innovation is already shaping Nigeria’s development trajectory by highlighting figures such as Folorunsho Alakija, Cosmas Maduka, Dr. Ernest Madu and Dr. Anne Bassey, whose professional journeys demonstrate the impact of Christian values on business, philanthropy, and healthcare.
He noted that peacebuilding, environmental stewardship, and digital evangelism are emerging frontiers where Christian innovators are already influencing society.
Opaluwah also used the occasion to outline CORBON’s ongoing contributions to national development through ethical leadership, technological modernization, and environmental responsibility in the construction sector.
He noted that CORBON has strengthened its code of conduct for registered builders, promoted ethical leadership through training platforms, and expanded collaborations in training and research both locally and internationally.
He highlighted CORBON’s MoU with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the launch of digital platforms such as the Builder’s Management Portal (BuMaP) and iReg for streamlined operations, and the introduction of modern training programmes focused on sustainable construction.
According to him, CORBON’s leadership has also prioritised sustainability through green building advocacy, training programmes in partnership with organisations like GIZ, which has supported the training of 50,000 artisansand active participation in national dialogues on sustainable urban development and disaster risk reduction. These efforts, he noted, are part of CORBON’s holistic approach to nation-building that aligns faith, innovation, and sustainability into a unified agenda.
Addressing the graduates directly, Opaluwah delivered a moving call to action, urging them to cultivate prayer, discipline, curiosity, courage, and emotional resilience as they begin their careers.
He challenged them to ask themselves: “How can I solve a challenge in my community?” and “How can I make life better for others through business, ideas, ministry, advocacy, etc.” He emphasised that professional excellence must be intertwined with faithfulness, stewardship and responsibility.
Encouraging them to step into the future with boldness, he concluded: “Therefore, go and build the future, not just with bricks and blueprints, but with the Spirit of God!”
