The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has assured the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) that since the year’s LAF theme of “Architectural Regeneration: The Lagos Response” is relevant to the government’s approach towards creating the mega city, the state will give it the required support.
Speaking while flagging off the NIA Lagos chapter 2018 Lagos Architects Forum (LAF) 9.0 that had in attendance many firms in the built environment sector where most of them are from Austria, the Lagos State Governor said, “we wish to have all that we envy in those built foreign lands in Lagos.”
The Governor who was represented by Mr. Remi Adebo of the state’s Ministry of Housing said the state’s plan for regeneration has led it to embark on various projects in and around the state including some laudable projects such as the Ilubrin Residential Scheme (IRS), Oworonshoki Mega Transport hub, transformation of Epe and revitalisation of Oshodi.
Ambode said the Lagos response is unique because it is a city with a growing population on a steady rise everyday. “It is our goal and vision to provide an environment sustainable and comparable to any around the world. We know we cannot do this alone by ourselves but with the help of professionals such as you to partner with us to achieve this goal. “I am extremely glad and elated to see you architects taking up the challenges and deliberating on solutions at this forum and looking forward to receiving feedback, which we hope to be able to implement for the good of our city. It is our dream that all architects have a place in the Lagos history of today and with the help of government, we pledge to support you and your great initiatives. We hope to be one day like Dubai where architects have found a haven.
“I have been privileged to have insights into what you do and I must say it is an under-appreciated profession. I wish we had more architects in the public service and hope some of you will join us pretty soon.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of NIA, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Fitzgerald Umah, said the aim of the programme was also to get the government to know the needs of the sector as it relates to the economy. He said, “this is why we have professionals from other climes to witness and make input as to ways of transforming our own environment.”
Umah said that although the sector intends to move ahead, it has great challenges that include but not limited to the increase of quacks and public patronage as a result of poor economy.