The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Osun State Chapter, has marked 30 years of professional service with a three-day anniversary forum in Osogbo, featuring discussions on climate-resilient design, sustainable development and the future of Nigeria’s built environment.

The anniversary, held from June 3 to 5, 2026, was organised under the theme, “OASIS 9.0 — Osun Architects’ Sustainable Information Synthesis-Forum”.

The programme brought together architects, government officials and professionals from allied disciplines for policy discussions, community engagement, infrastructure tours and a lecture on climate-resilient cities.

The event also provided an opportunity for the Chapter to recognise seven members whose contributions have influenced the development of architecture and the Institute in Osun State and beyond.

The programme opened with a tree-planting exercise at the Osun State Secretariat, followed by a tour of selected government infrastructure projects before the formal anniversary proceedings.

The final day featured a welcome address, a goodwill message from the President of the NIA, Sani Saulawa, and an address by the Osun State Government.

Climate resilience was a central focus of the anniversary as cities across West Africa contend with extreme weather, rapid urbanisation and changing environmental conditions.

The keynote lecture, titled “Building Climate-Resilient Cities that Adapt, Endure and Thrive”, was delivered by Mayolade Johnson of the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos.

It was followed by a panel session, “Climate Resilient City: Policy Dialogue and Professional Collaboration”, led by Dr Olabode Jegede, Principal Partner at Archiworth Associates Limited, Lagos.

Hon. Anthony Adeyemi Adewumi, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, and chairmen of allied professional bodies in the built environment across Osun State participated in the panel.

Discussions focused on improving collaboration between professionals and policymakers and developing practical approaches to climate-responsive urban development.

A subsequent breakout and focus-group session examined strategies for designing buildings capable of responding more effectively to tropical conditions, with participants considering approaches to improve the resilience and sustainability of Nigeria’s built environment.

The anniversary also featured a special session reviewing three decades of architectural practice in Osun State.

The session examined the Chapter’s achievements and challenges over the past 30 years, as well as strategies for strengthening the profession and preparing architects for emerging demands.

The discussions culminated in the drafting and presentation of a communiqué containing resolutions from the forum.

Participants also toured a product exhibition featuring building materials and design innovations before the programme concluded with a Gala Night and fundraising for the proposed NIA Osun State Secretariat Building.

The Chapter honoured Prof. Bayo Amole, the first Nigerian professor of Architecture in the Department of Architecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, for more than four decades of teaching, research and contributions to architectural education.

Amole was also recognised for his role in developing Nigeria’s architectural history curriculum and securing international grants for the conservation of the Central Core Buildings at Obafemi Awolowo University.

Prince Abdulwahab Olalekan Usman, FNIA, MNIM, a three-time Chairman of the NIA Osun State Chapter, was also honoured for more than three decades of institutional service.

His contributions include participation in an Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) re-accreditation panel and service on the governing council of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke.

Another recipient, Chief Titus Bamidele Ojo, FNIA, was recognised for his contribution to the establishment of the NIA Osun State Chapter in the early 1990s.

Ojo, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Osun State civil service, was also recognised for a professional portfolio that includes the All Souls Chapel at Obafemi Awolowo University and the Osun State Hospital Complex, Asubiaro.

Oyegoke Akinrinola Omigbodun, FNIA, received the OASIS 9.0 Distinguished Service Award for his leadership and contribution to the Chapter.

The organisers credited Omigbodun, a former Chapter chairman, with initiating the OASIS forum and establishing the Future Architects Mentoring Programme, known as Project FAME.

Akinola Abiola Oyetunde, MNIA, Director of Education, ICT and Research at ARCON, was also honoured for his service to the Osun Chapter, where he has held positions including Chairman, Secretary and First Assistant Secretary.

Emmanuel Akanni Oladejo, MNIA, immediate past Chairman of the Chapter and current Director of Housing Development at the Osun State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, was recognised for his leadership and contributions to the Chapter.

The seventh recipient, Oluwabusuyi Adonis Fakanlu, FNIPES, was honoured for his work as an architectural technologist, entrepreneur and author.

According to the organisers, Fakanlu has contributed to hospital, housing and infrastructure projects across Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The NIA Osun State Chapter was established in 1996, three decades after the national Institute was founded in 1960.

The national Institute now has about 14,000 professionals across five membership classes and 36 chapters, according to information presented during the anniversary.

For the Osun Chapter, the 30th anniversary was intended not only to celebrate its history but also to strengthen the role of architects in conversations around climate adaptation, sustainable design and the future of the built environment.

The Chapter said the communiqué produced at OASIS 9.0 would help guide its engagement with state and local authorities on urban planning and climate-responsive building standards.

The anniversary ultimately provided an opportunity for the Chapter to reflect on three decades of professional service while renewing its commitment to promoting safer, more sustainable and climate-resilient communities across Osun State.