By Grace Alegba

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday harped on the importance of collaboration and quality assurance towards global integration of indigenous designs into construction, infrastructure, tourism and other sectors.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted this at the opening of the Ecobank Build and Design Expo with the theme: “How We Build, How We Live”, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island.

He reiterated his committed to building a modern inclusive and resilient liveable city through innovative environment friendly designs that serves all its citizens and for future generations.

He said that the theme was beyond mere displays, adding that, it was thoughtfully curated platform featuring exceptional exhibitors, showcasing the finest in design, real estate, construction and sustainable materials.

The governor said that visions could be actualised with support of skilled professionals, supportive policies, responsible institutions and sustainable financing to turn designs into reality.

“We are committed to building a city that is modern and liveable; a city that serves all its citizens and for future generations. Good design and solid construction are not luxury items, they are necessities.

“The bridges, roads, housing and public spaces we create must embody a Lagos that is forward-thinking, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

“I commend Ecobank for their commitment to making sure that young professionals, small businesses, artisans and craftsmen are recognised in this arena.

“They are providing a platform that truly elevates their work. These individuals are the ones who turn ideas into tangible realities, transforming sketches into spaces that people live in, enjoy and take pride in.

“For everyone working in finance: infrastructure, housing and design are not abstract concepts. With careful risk evaluation, solid policies and smart financing strategies, they can turn into real, sustainable projects,” he said.

The governor, who delivered a goodwill message was represented by Mrs Bukola Agbaminoja, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board.

Sanwo-Olu urged build environment professionals to strive for designs that minimise environmental impact, embrace energy efficiency and use materials wisely.

Panelists at the event called for collaboration, standardisation, strategic government support for local designs to evolve to become globally attractive and competitive across sectors while preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The panelists spoke on the topic “Knowledge Exchange- International Vs. Local: The Sourcing Question For Interior Design”.

Tola Akerele, CEO of National Theatre Nigeria and Founder of iDESIGN, emphasised the need to invest in people, to train them to be able to take design volumes to larger scale.

She stressed the need for more research with government support to refine local products to international standards as well as collaboration across sectors to “showcase Nigeria in the best light possible”.

Aisha Lawal, CEO and founder of Lash Interiors, explained challenges of materials sourcing, scaling furniture manufacturing and how passion provided markets beyond her organisation’s capacity for her designs.

She said that quality assurance required continuously doing things properly to attract global buyers.

On his part, Adeyemi Shokunbi, Architect, Creative Director of NANA Collective Studio and Co-Founder of Patrickwaheed Design Consultancy, explained why he returned home from UK after training to promote Nigerian designs.

He lamented resistance from local institutions, adding that, Nigerian designs have great potentials that must be jointly promoted.

Also, Patrick Koshoni, Creative Director (Design + Hospitality) and CEO of Patrick Waheed Design Consultancy & MİLİKİ, explained that without western influence, Nigerian designs are globally relevant and sellable.

“I believe that Nigeria’s future is going to be safeguarded because of the creative industry,” he said.

He defined local design as building culture into project concepts, “it is using my culture to tell personalised stories.

“Collaboration requires courage, open mind and patience,” he said.

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mobolaji Adeniyi, called for collaboration across fields while calling for standardisation.

She said that some people shun made in Nigeria products because of low quality, adding that, NIA is working with other built environment professionals towards continuous quality designs and projects delivery.

She thanked Ecobank for the expo showcasing more than 60 global and local giants while pledging the support of the NIA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu