Obasanjo tasks architects, engineers on affordable, decent accommodation

• Blames govt agencies for building collapse

EX-President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday urged local architects and engineers to provide decent and affordable accommodation for Nigerians.He made the call in Abeokuta at the third Distinguished Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

Obasanjo, who chaired the event, said the call became necessary following an imminent explosion in the country’s population in the next 35 years.According to him, Nigeria’s population may be up to 400 million during the period, with over 50 per cent of it residing in the city.

He said: “We have to think of how to make the cities livable in terms of sanitation and other areas. The country would be in trouble if we don’t start building our shelter to provide affordable and decent accommodation to our teeming population.

Obasanjo urged architects and engineers to tackle the challenge more seriously so that a one-room and one-sitting room shelter could be provided for a bachelor or a couple at not more than $15,000 and $20,000.

According to him, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode had also recently asked him how affordable houses could be provided for Lagos residents.On frequent building collapse, Obasanjo blamed government agencies for defaulting in ensuring that professional standards are maintained.While urging the agencies to stop building collapse in the country, he blamed engineers for not providing adequate structural support.

The former president explained that architects and engineers are creative artists, adding that there is the need for durability, utility and beauty in building.A renowned architect, Olufemi Majekodunmi delivered the lecture, which had as its theme, “Architecture: The Cradle of Civilisation.”

Majekodunmi said the cradle of humanity resides in Africa, saying local architects should ensure that the whites emulate them in building and not the other way around.He cited the case of Eredo monument in Ijebu, which was discovered by Patrick Darling in 1999, as attestations to the position of Africa in the ancient world.

He said the monument, which measured a towering 70 feet, signifies that Africa is the birthplace of human existence and the original people and parents of all humanity.