Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has underscored the critical need for robust collaboration between the government and professionals in the built environment, particularly architects, to ensure the state’s infrastructure and urban planning meet standards of sustainability and innovation.
Speaking at the 6th Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Mr Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted architecture’s fundamental role in shaping the spaces where people live, work, and thrive.
“As Lagos State grows as a megacity and economic hub, fostering collaborations with professionals like you ensures that our infrastructure and urban planning meet the highest standards of sustainability and innovation”, Mr Sanwo-Olu stated.
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He emphasised that this synergy would ultimately lead to a ‘functional, beautiful, safe, and inclusive’ Lagos for all residents.
He reaffirmed architecture’s foundational importance for sustainable national development, noting its influence on economic growth, societal well-being, and environmental stewardship.
The governor stressed that his administration recognises architects’ pivotal role in transforming Lagos’s urban landscape into a model of innovation, resilience, and inclusiveness.
He urged professionals to actively voice their insights and ensure proper practices are followed.
Mr Sanwo-Olu remarked that civilisation’s sustainability hinges on maintaining a decent and aesthetically pleasing environment, which should be shaped by relevant professionals.
Mr Sanwo-Olu commended the NIA for its commitment to excellence, knowledge sharing, and visionary ideas through its lecture series, encouraging active engagement and the exchange of ideas to advance architectural excellence.
During her lecture titled ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Arc. Olubukunola Ejiwunmi, the Institute’s first female President and a retired Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Public Service, called on Nigerians to champion policies that prioritise sustainability, equity, and cultural integrity.
She explained that harmony is an ‘active pursuit’ requiring deep listening, purposeful design, and courageous leadership.
By embracing these principles, architects fulfil their professional duties and their responsibility as stewards of a richly diverse nation.
Ejiwunmi urged architects to build not just with materials like concrete and steel, but with ‘conviction and compassion, emphasising that pursuing harmony in diversity should be a professional creed, not merely a slogan.
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Earlier, in her welcome address, NIA President Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi (FNIA) noted that the annual ‘Distinguished Lecture Series’ celebrates architectural excellence, maintaining a tradition where past presidents deliver the lectures.
She described ‘Harmony in Diversity’ as a timely and relevant topic, poised to inspire and challenge architects to leverage diversity for a better future.
