A Professor of Urban Management and Governance at University of Lagos, Prof. Taibat Olaitan Lawanson has expressed concern over what she described as poor preservation of Nigeria's cultural resources and non-prioritization of heritage management, despite its vast potentials.
The renowned Leverhulme Professor of Planning and Heritage at the Liverpool School of Architecture, raised the concern in her lecture titled "Heritage at Risk: Rethinking Nigerian's Urban Development Trajectory", during the 4th edition of TPL (Dr.) Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni Annual Lecture Series titled held recently at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos attended by academics and experts in town planning across the country
The don in her lecture, undertook a global panoramic view of built and cultural heritage, as intrinsic to creating the intangible value of urbanization.
Prof. Lawanson described heritage as legacy from the past, which are still existing and expected to be passed on to future generations.
She said 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.
She enumerated some of the significance of Nigerian cultural heritage to include strengthening sustainable development, bringing communities together, building resilience and wellbeing among others, which according to her, can play a vital role in tackling challenges.
She lamented that most of the numerous heritage assets in Nigeria are not well protected
He stressed the need for custodians of cultural resources to wake up to the call of their duties.
The earlier this is done the better because certain aspects of our artefact will soon become extinct.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Engr. Ismail Badmus described the lecture as timely and essential, as it challenges stakeholders to critically evaluate how our 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
“This gathering would not be completed without celebrating the man who has inspired this annual tradition, Dr. Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni", he stated
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 on this platform".
The celebrant, TPL (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. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun 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 TPL 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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