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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
The President of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists, Dr Emmanuel Abimbola Bankole, has identified the cause of frequent collapses of buildings, which often lead to deaths as a result of lack of synergy among building professionals.
Dr Bankole, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Lokoja at the 18th National Conference and annual general meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists, said there was an urgent need for collaboration among building engineers, architects, town planners and landscape horticulturists to come together and put a stop to the frequent collapses of public buildings which he said was turning [into a] national embarrassment.
He said the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists (NILH) is the focal point and umbrella body for landscape horticulture practitioners in Nigeria and was founded in 1989 with, among other objectives, to promote, enhance and standardise professional practice among practitioners for quality service delivery.
While saying the theme for this year’s conference, “Designing for Sustainability and Resilience: Intersection of Horticultural Landscaping and Urban Planning” was chosen to draw national attention to the relationship between landscape horticulture and urban planning and bring to the fore the need for synergy among landscape horticulturists, town planners, architects and other professionals in the built industry.
“In our country today, the sight of uncoordinated developments and slums have become a common feature of our cities and towns, with attendant challenges of insecurity, poor hygiene/sanitation, avoidable accidents, communal crisis to mention just a few.
“It becomes imperative, therefore, for all professionals in the built industries and most especially landscape horticulturists, architects and town planners to collaborate and complement one another for a beautiful, healthy and environmentally sustainable neighbourhood.
“Lack of adequate synergy among professionals in the built industry has come with a huge cost to the country in the form of collapse of public utilities, abandoned projects and non-functional public facilities.
“Most of our cities and towns in the country today are in dire need of urban renewal to meet the dictates of [the] 21st century in terms of housing, road network, provision of amenities and other essential infrastructure. In this regard, a lot would be expected from us as professionals, hence the need for collaboration and synergy.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of our keynote speaker, Prof. Mohammed Isa Bala, a seasoned academic and architect, to do justice to the theme of this conference,” he added.
In the course of this conference, new members from across the country will be formally inducted as well as chairmen of state and zonal chapters. Distinguished Service Awards and Honorary Fellowships of the Institute will also be conferred on some distinguished Nigerians for their support for the professional practice of landscape horticulture, human capacity development and environmental protection initiatives. This recognition is aimed at spurring them for further support and collaboration in the days ahead.
Earlier, while declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja and the chief host of the conference, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, said there could be no better setting for gatherings of experts, researchers, and practitioners in the noble fields of horticulture and environmental design at a conference dedicated to nature’s sustainability and resilience.
“It calls attention to a subject that is central to the future of our planet, the need to build and sustain human settlements that work in harmony with nature, not in conflict with it.
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“As our nation and the world continue to contend with the challenges of climate change, deforestation, flooding, and environmental degradation, the responsibility lies on all of us, particularly experts like you, to champion innovative landscaping and planning solutions that not only beautify our environment but also promote ecological balance, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
“At Federal University Lokoja, we share deeply in this vision.
From the very beginning of my administration, I have envisioned and worked towards building a green university, one that reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship in both appearance and practice.
“A simple walk around our campus will reveal our deliberate efforts at tree planting, green landscaping, and the preservation of natural spaces.
“Our development plan integrates sustainable land use, horticultural aesthetics, and eco-friendly infrastructure that blend with nature rather than displace it.
“This is the Federal University Lokoja, where we are nurturing a model for environmentally responsible university development in Nigeria.
“In line with this vision, we continue to encourage teaching, research, and community engagement that promote environmental consciousness, sustainable development, and innovation in landscape management.
“We believe that universities must lead the way in demonstrating how sustainable practices can transform communities and cities alike.
“I therefore commend the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Landscape Horticulturists, under the able guidance of Comrade Emmanuel Abimbola Bankole, for your unwavering commitment to promoting professional excellence and sustainability in horticultural practice.”
At the colourful event, the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists inducted new members from across the country as well as chairmen of state and zonal chapters.
Distinguished Service Awards and Honorary Fellowships of the Institute were also conferred on some distinguished Nigerians for their support for the professional practice of landscape horticulture, human capacity development and environmental protection initiatives.
Among those honoured with the award are Governor Usman Ododo, VC Federal University Lokoja, Prof Olayemi Akinwumi, and the Registrar, Dr Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, while Honorary Fellows were given to the Kogi State Commissioner of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Mrs Helen Adeniyi, and the West Africa Sales Manager, Sakata Vegetables Europe SAS, Dr Hadiza Yaro, respectively.
