By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
A Professor of Architecture, Muhammad Isa Bala, has called on city planners, architects and Horticulturists to prioritize landscape horticulture in urban planning to ensure that cities grow, sustain life, and honour cultural heritage.
Arc. Prof. Bala made the call in his keynote address at the 18th Annual Conference And General Meeting of The Nigerian Institute of Landscape
Horticulturist National Conference at Federal University Lokoja.
The Conference was themed, “Designing for Sustainability and Resilience: Intersection of Horticultural Landscaping and Urban Planning.”
In his keynote address titled “Growing Cities: The Power of Landscape Horticulture in Urban Planning”, Prof. Bala underscored the importance of integrating landscape horticulture and urban planning to create resilient and sustainable cities.
He stressed that landscape horticulture is not just about beautification but there is an intersection of Horticulture and Planning about creating living, breathing cities that adapt to climate change, feed communities, and heal ecosystems.
Prof. Bala of the Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State said, “Landscape horticulture is no longer optional; it is central to the resilience and identity of our cities. It represents strategy, culture, and care woven together”, he said.
Prof. Bala however suggested that to address the challenges and opportunities facing horticultural practice in cities like Lagos and Abuja, integration of local materials, participatory processes, and culturally responsive design are critical.
“Let us ensure that our cities are not confined to the design of walls but are expanded through the design of gardens, cities that understand the rhythm of seasons, the flow of water, the generosity of shade.
“To plant is to tell a story. Native and heritage species carry meaning that transcends generations. A Neem tree is not just shade; it is medicine. A tamarind is not just fruit; it is memory”, he stressed.
In his welcome address, Dr. Emmanuel Abimbola Bankole, President, Nigeria Institute Of Landscape Horticulturists reiterated the need for synergy among professionals in the Built-Industries.
Dr Bankole revealed that the theme for this year’s event, was deliberately crafted to draw national attention to the need for better relationship among the professionals.
“Most of our cities and town in the country today, are in dire need of urban renewal to meet the dictates of 21st century in terms of housing, road network, provision of amenities and other essential infrastructures”, he said.
Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, declaring the Conference and AGM open, said the theme of this year’s conference could not have come at a better time.
Prof. Akinwumi noted that the theme 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.
“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”, he said.
Highlights of the week-long conference include presentation of awards to individuals who distinguished themselves in relevant endeavors of life. (Ends)