By Ukpa Ewa
Architects have called for improved urban planning, innovation and stronger professional standards to promote sustainable and inclusive development in Anambra State.
They made the call at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exposition of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Anambra State Chapter (NIAASC), held on Oct. 9 at the ASUU-NAU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The conference was themed “Vision to Legacy: Planning, Innovation and Inclusive Development for a Livable City.”
The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc. Sani Saulawa, identified limited public understanding of the architectural profession as a major challenge facing practitioners.
He said architects played key roles in shaping the built environment, from residential buildings and public infrastructure to entire cities, stressing the need to raise public awareness of their contributions.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okechukwu Ezeobi, said proper planning was essential to sustainable development.
He cited a proposed six lane road project intended to bypass Onitsha and Asaba and connect to the airport, noting that thousands of buildings were expected to be affected.
Ezeobi said effective long term master planning could minimise the hardship associated with major infrastructure projects. He added that the state’s Vision 2070 underscored the need to plan for future infrastructure and population growth, including additional airport facilities.
He urged architects to develop innovative solutions to erosion and land scarcity through vertical development, sustainable building materials and low carbon construction methods.
In a paper titled “From Brief to Legacy: What Three Decades of Public-Sector Architectural Practice Have Taught Me,” the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Henry Arize, urged architects to combine technical expertise with entrepreneurial skills.
He advised practitioners to strengthen their professional visibility, develop digital portfolios, build networks and update their knowledge, adding that artificial intelligence should be viewed as an opportunity for professional growth.
Arize also disclosed that the state government was working towards a proposed 1,200 unit social housing scheme for civil servants, other public servants and secondary school teachers.
He said the project was expected to be funded through a federal mortgage scheme, with the first phase planned for Ebenebe, while arrangements were still being finalised.
Earlier, the NIAASC Chairman, Arc. Ikenna Onuorah, described a livable environment as one characterised by safe streets, decent housing, reliable public services, accessible public spaces and a healthy landscape.
He called on the government to strengthen planning regulations, invest in infrastructure and protect public land and the environment.
He also urged architects to prioritise affordability, climate considerations, safety and the public interest in their projects.
Another guest speaker, Arc. Emeka Nwankwo Yaw, urged practitioners to consider the legacy they were creating for future generations.
He identified declining attention to detail as a challenge in architectural practice and called for stronger quality control, coordinated project information and stricter scrutiny of architectural drawings submitted for approval.
Yaw urged the government, private sector and academic institutions to collaborate in upholding professional standards and preserving the integrity of the profession.
An award recipient, Arc. Daniel Uzodimma, Director of Dan. Cosmas Construction Company Ltd., thanked the organisers for the recognition, describing it as motivation to contribute further to the profession.
He said architecture should respond to human needs, respect the environment and create lasting value through innovative and sustainable designs.
The conference ended with the presentation of professional excellence awards to distinguished architects, while students who participated in a design competition received awards and cash prizes.
Ukpa Ewa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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