The Oyo State Government has called on architects and other professionals in the built environment to embrace innovative, climate-responsive, and environmentally sustainable designs that will safeguard the future and enhance resilient communities.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the 2026 Biennial General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Oyo State Chapter, held in Ibadan, with the theme “Architects’ Capacity, Responsibility and Sustainability”.
Aderinto described architects as critical drivers of development, stressing that while the profession possesses the capacity to shape society, it also bears the responsibility of ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are designed with sustainability at their core.
He stressed this need, bearing in mind that climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions have continued to expose the environmental consequences of conventional building practices.
The Commissioner urged architects to adopt innovative approaches that minimise environmental impacts and work in harmony with nature.
He added that although emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are transforming the construction industry, the expertise, creativity, and professional judgment of architects and engineers remain indispensable in building sustainable communities.
He further cited the recurring flooding experienced in some high-brow areas of some states as evidence of the dangers posed by poor planning, rapid urbanisation and environmental neglect, calling for a complete rethink of building designs to address rising sea levels, building settlements and other climate-related challenges.
As part of the event, Hon. Aderinto performed the official unveiling of a newly acquired bus purchased by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Oyo State Chapter, commending the association’s leadership for the milestone and encouraging members to continue promoting professionalism, unity and sustainable development within the built environment.
Speaking at the event, the president of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc. Sani Saulawa FNIA, PNIA, commended the Oyo State Government for its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate-conscious development.
He urged architects across the country to continually uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical practice and innovation, stressing that the future of the built environment depends on designs that are resilient, inclusive and environmentally responsible.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
