Scholar Makes Case For Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage

Renowned Professor of Planning and Heritage at the Liverpool School of Architecture, Prof. Taibat Olaitan Lawanson, has urged all stakeholders to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Lawanson, who is also a Professor of Urban Management and Governance at the University of Lagos, delivered this message at the 4th edition of the Dr. Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni Annual Lecture Series at Yaba College of Technology, titled “Heritage at Risk: Rethinking Nigeria’s Urban Development Trajectory.”
She undertook a global panoramic view of built and cultural heritage as intrinsic to creating the intangible value of urbanisation.

She frowned at the poor preservation of Nigeria’s cultural resources and the non-prioritisation of heritage management, despite its vast potential.

According to her, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has 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 our cultural heritage to include strengthening sustainable development, bringing communities together, building resilience and well-being, among others. She explained that this can play a vital role in tackling challenges.

Lawanson expressed concerns over the poor performance of the heritage sector in Nigeria, as most of the numerous heritage assets in the country are not well protected. She called on those entrusted with our cultural resources to wake up to the call of their duties. “The earlier this is done, the better, because certain aspects of our artifacts will soon become extinct,” she warned.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Rector of 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 us 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 the growth and development of Yaba College of Technology.

“This gathering would not be complete 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 honor him on this platform.”

The celebrant, Dr. Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni, in his remarks, explained that the lecture is a very stimulating one. “In the conversation so far, our eyes have been opened to the significance of our cultural heritage, its challenges, and the urgent need to address them.

“The way forward is to have a holistic approach to urban development that places the preservation of cultural heritage at the forefront.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, for being a visionary leader and a patriot. He equally appreciated the guest speaker, Prof. Lawanson, and the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Muyiwa Falaye.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the organising committee, Iyanda Oladimeji, expressed appreciation to God for the life of Dr. Olaseni and for the good works and deeds in the town and planning profession, especially his academic investment in his students that brought them 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 that it is best to celebrate him while alive, giving him his flowers rather than after his death. Dr. Olaseni should be assured that, to the glory of God, this tradition has come to stay and shall continue for much longer.”