The Anglican Communion Diocese on the Niger, Onitsha, Anambra State, has established a nine-member inquiry panel to investigate the recent collapse of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Centenary building in Onitsha.
The collapse, which occurred on June 12, resulted in one fatality and the rescue of two individuals.
Speaking at the incident site, Bishop Owen Nwakolo announced the formation of the committee, chaired by Justice Pete Ohioto and comprising professionals such as architects and surveyors. Andy Obiamwu will serve as the committee’s secretary.
The panel has been assigned nine specific tasks to determine the root cause of the building collapse. Its members include Ofodile Anieto, Chukwunonto Igboka, Peter Okpala, Shed Omwuasoanya, Azuka Onweluzo, Samuel Akabogu, and Kingsley Ibekwe.
Bishop Nwakolo emphasized that the committee, inaugurated on June 18, has until July 18 to submit its findings and recommendations.
“You are therefore constituted as a panel of inquiry to investigate and determine the cause of the collapse of the building,” he said.
Nwakolo detailed the terms of reference, which include examining the administrative and technical processes followed during construction, reviewing the building plans for compliance with standards, and investigating whether the necessary approvals were obtained from the relevant authorities.
He also highlighted the need to confirm if the building’s architectural design was created by a qualified architect registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, among other professional bodies.
Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, expressed gratitude that the situation was not more severe.
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