Osogbo, Aug. 15, 2025 (NAN) Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer structures in the country to avoid any form of building collapse.
The institute also said it would continue to promote the role of architects in the country towards the advancement of its professional inputs.
The NIA National President, Mrs Mobolaji Adeniyi, stated this during the institute’s award of excellence and meritorious service in architecture and humanity on Friday in Osogbo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme had as its them: “Responsibilities in the Built- Environment towards integrated professional action for sustainable future.”
According to Adeniyi, the role of architects towards ensuring a safer building structures in the country for sustainable future cannot be over-emphasised.
She said that the institute would continue to cooperate with government and non-governmental organisations in promoting the dynamic roles of architects and advancing the institute’s aims and objectives.
She urged the public to make use of licensed architects who would ensure the quality of the building materials used at sites, thus avoiding frequent cases of building collapse.
“Also, they will ensure you use the right and necessary expertise for your building structures and will avoid any form of unethical practices,” she said.
The Guest Speaker at the occasion, Mr Abiodun Owoborode, stressed the need for a vibrant legislation to enforce standards, even as he advised professionals to desist from any unethical practice that could jeopardise the lives of innocent citizens.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Osun, Mr Kola Adewusi, expressed the state government’s commitment to a smart urban development, climate-conscious housing, heritage preservation and efficient land administration.
According to Adewusi, doors to innovations and designs that will reduce energy usage with solid structures that withstand environmental shocks and spaces that promote inclusion and safety are open in the state.
He said that the present administration understood that sustainability was not just about avoiding harm but actively creating environments that would enable human potentials to flourish.
“This is why professionals are invited here today to work hand-in-hand with us in the state from concept to construction, and from policy to practice.
“Our professionals need to think beyond immediate assignments, with a vision that stretches into the future, as cities we imagine today will be the heritage of tomorrow,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Oni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, described architect as leaders and custodians of the nation’s heritage.
The traditional ruler emphasised on cultural sustainability, material innovation and professional integrity.
While urging architects to always echo the memory of the people, he said that buildings must also preserve the spirit of their culture.
“A disciplined architect must uphold the practice of accuracy, balance and purpose, with the mindset that Ori- Olokun on the NIA logo is a call to design with cultural consciousness and historical respect,” he said. (NAN)
