The need for inclusivity, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation and effective governance in urban planning formed the core of discussions at a one-day hybrid international workshop organised by the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Held on Tuesday, September 30, 2026, at the Faculty of Architecture Seminar Room, the workshop had the theme, “Social Equity, Urban Governance and Inclusive Urban Design: From Policy to Practice in Lagos Metropolis.”
The gathering provided a platform for professionals, academics and other stakeholders in the built environment to examine contemporary urban development challenges and explore practical approaches to ensuring that people remain at the centre of urban planning.
In their separate remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Architecture, Professor Anthony Adebayo, and the Head, Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, Professor Nnezi Uduma-Olugu, described the workshop as a meaningful town-and-gown engagement that underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between academia, government, professional bodies and other stakeholders in developing urban environments that are inclusive, resilient, well-governed and responsive to people’s needs.
Professor Adebayo expressed satisfaction with the growing profile of the Faculty, particularly the recognition it has received within a relatively short period since its establishment. He cited the Faculty’s accreditation by the Commonwealth Association of Architects as one of the notable milestones reflecting its relevance within the architectural profession.
Keynote Presentations
The Ogboni Iduntafa of Lagos and former General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), as well as former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Urban Development, Architect Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, FNIA, delivered a keynote presentation titled “Building Inclusive Cities: From Policy to Practice — A Practical Perspective on Social Equity, Urban Governance and Development Control.”
Drawing from his professional experience in urban development and building control, he examined the relationship between people and their built environment. The monarch called for a shift from identifying urban challenges to implementing practical solutions, with emphasis on rigorous development control and certification, transit-oriented planning, expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, drainage clearing and wetland conservation, urban renewal and integrated regeneration, as well as stronger coordination among relevant government agencies.
Also speaking, Landscape Architect Dapo Adesiyun (South-West Chairman of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria) presented “From Drawing to Reality: Making Inclusive Urban Design Work in Lagos.” His presentation examined the quality and effectiveness of policies guiding development in the built environment, with particular emphasis on equity and inclusivity in implementation.
Other presentations at the workshop included:
- “Inclusive Landscape Architecture and Urban Design: International Perspective and Practice,” by Professor Camila Gomez Sant-Anna, Professor of Landscape Architecture (Department of Design, Expression and Representation, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, University of Brasilia);
- “Urban Governance, Professional Practice and Development Control,” by Architect Fitzgerald Utah, FNIA, (Chairman, International Affairs Commission, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Lagos);
- “Climate Justice in Urban Planning: Protecting Communities Most Exposed to Environmental Risks,” by Architect Anthony Okoye, FNIA, (Principal Partner, Design Genre Ltd., Lagos); and
- “Urban Governance, Planning and Architectural Practice,” by Dr. Obafemi Ibitoye, (Head, Department of Architecture, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State).
The workshop also featured an interactive panel session, during which resource persons and participants exchanged perspectives on the theme and discussed practical approaches to strengthening inclusivity, governance and professional practice in urban development.
The highlight of the event included the presentation of plaques to distinguished personalities, among whom were retired Professor Olumide Olusanya, Professor Anthony Adebayo (Dean, Faculty of Architecture), Professor Mike Adebamowo and Professor Nnezi Uduma-Olugu, in recognition of their contributions to the built environment and the development of architectural education and practice.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and Research, Professor Matthew Ilori, received the workshop dignitaries during a courtesy visit to his office.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
