Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called for a collaborative effort between the Royal Institute of British Architects and tertiary institutions in Ogun State that offer architecture as a course of study.
This collaboration, he believes, will enhance the skills of architecture students and inspire them to create masterpieces that will contribute to the development of the country.
Governor Abiodun made this call on Tuesday when he received the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Mr. Muyiwa Oki, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Mr. Oki, a Nigerian-born British architect, made history in September 2023 by becoming the first black president of the institute at the age of 32.
The governor praised Mr. Oki’s achievement, describing it as uncommon and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He urged Mr. Oki to facilitate collaboration between the Royal Institute of British Architects and Ogun State tertiary institutions in areas such as research and development.
Governor Abiodun also challenged the Nigerian Institute of Architecture (NIA) to organize a design competition that would inspire architecture students to showcase their talents and come up with innovative ideas for the country’s development.
He said: “We believe that through your office, you should support your home State (Ogun). We have in some of our tertiary institutions Department of Architecture and I believe that a collaboration with you and your office in terms of research into how to build more sustainable and affordable housing units will go a long way.”
The governor said that his administration has constructed about 3,500 affordable houses at Kobape, a suburb of Abeokuta and turned the area into a bubbling town, noting that similar projects have been executed in Sagamu, Ota, Ilaro and Ijebu-Ode.
“We have done this believing that beyond making people landlords, we look at the entire value-chain, the entire eco-system which starts with architecture that design our sustainable and affordable housing but also the workers in terms of the artisans, bricklayers, carpenters, painters, among others and this created jobs for the people,” he said.
The governor noted that his administration is embarking on renewal through the Urban Renewal and Rejuvenation Process across the state, beginning with old Abeokuta housing scheme, saying new and more sustainable housing projects are being put in place in conjunction with the United Kingdom Development Office.
While commending Mr. Muyiwa Oki for making the state and country, Nigeria proud, Governor Abiodun said: “We consider this your elevation as something that we can benefit from. The kind of synergy can exist between you, the organization you represent, the position you hold, and your home state. You have distinguished yourself in your chosen career.”
Earlier in his remarks, Muyiwa Oki commended Governor Abiodun for giving him an audience, even as said that he has lined up three areas of interest to address as the president of the institute
Mr Oki stated that he would use his new office to promote the importance of architecture as a profession that plays a major role in the lives of the people; address the challenges created by climate change and promote unity in diversity being the first black man to attain such a position in the history of the institute.
This collaboration, if realized, will provide a platform for architecture students in Ogun State to learn from experienced professionals and develop their skills, which will ultimately contribute to the growth and development of the state and the country at large.
