Professor of Planning and Heritage at the Liverpool School of Architecture, Prof. Taibat Olaitan Lawanson has frowned at poor preservation of Nigerian’s cultural resources and non-prioritization of heritage management, despite its vast potentials.
She stated this at the 4th edition of TPL (Dr.) Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni Annual Lecture Series titled “Heritage at Risk: Rethinking Nigerian’s Urban Development Trajectory.”
According to her, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) expressed the view that Nigeria’s cultural heritage constitutes a substantial part of the country’s tourism resources, and if properly protected and managed, it can contribute significantly to the country’s economic development goals.
Prof. Lawanson, who is also a Professor of Urban Management and Governance, University of Lagos undertook a global panoramic view of built and cultural heritage, as intrinsic to creating the intangible value of urbanization.
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She described heritage as the legacy from the past, what we live with today and what we pass on to future generations.
She enumerated some of the significance of our cultural heritage to include strengthening sustainable development, bringing communities together, building resilience and wellbeing among others. This she explained can play a vital role in tackling challenges.
The renowned Leverhulme Professor expressed worries over poor performance of the heritage sector in Nigeria, as most of the numerous heritage assets in Nigeria are not well protected and thereby called on those that are entrusted or custodian of the cultural resources to wake up to the call of their duties. The earlier this is done the better because certain aspects of the artefact will soon become extinct.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Ismail Badmus described the lecture as timely and essential, as it challenges everyone to critically evaluate how cities are evolving, balancing structured planning with the organic dynamism of urban life.
He acknowledged the impact of Dr. Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni for his immense contribution to growth and development of Yaba College of Technology, in his words, “This gathering would not be completed without celebrating the man who has inspired this annual tradition, Dr. Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni. His unwavering dedication to urban and regional planning, as well as his mentorship to many in this field, remains a beacon of inspiration. We are grateful for his contributions and proud to honour him this platform.”
The celebrant, Dr. Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni in his remarks explained that the lecture is a very stimulating one and in the conversation so far, our eyes have been opened to the significance of our cultural heritage, its challenges and the urgent needs to address them, and the way out is to have a holistic approach to urban development places the preservation of cultural heritage in the front burner.
However, he expressed his gratitude to the Rector, Dr. Abdul for being a visionary leader and a patriot, and equally appreciate the guest speaker Prof. Lawanson, and the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Muyiwa Falaye.
In his welcome address, the chairman organizing committee TPL Iyanda Oladimeji appreciates God in the life of Dr. Olaseni and for the good works and deed in Town and Planning Professional, most especially the academic investment in his students that made them come together annually to celebrate him.
He said just like a dream come true from the Alhaji Waheed Kadiri annual lecture, this is the fourth edition, and you will all agree with me its best to celebrate him alive, giving him his flowers than in dead. “Dr. Olaseni should be assured that to the glory of God this has come to stay and shall continue to even much longer.”
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