Lagos, Nigeria — Arc. Ebelechukwu Ubaka, the Chief Executive Officer of VolArchy, an architectural firm renowned for its commitment to traditional African design, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to include architecture and sustainable building strategies as a core component of Nigeria’s economic and cultural development agenda.
In a direct appeal to the President, Arc. Ebelechukwu emphasized the transformative role architecture can play in boosting national identity, job creation, and environmental sustainability. “As you continue to champion economic growth and national unity,” she wrote, “I recommend targeted support for the architecture and building sector.”
She outlined a number of strategies the government could adopt to achieve this vision. Among them is the introduction of tax incentives and subsidies for architects and builders who utilize locally-sourced, sustainable materials—an approach that would not only encourage environmentally friendly practices but also support local economies. She also stressed the need to establish vocational training programs aimed at reviving and preserving traditional African building techniques, which hold cultural value and provide employment for young Nigerians.
Furthermore, Arc. Ebele urged the federal government to provide funding for research in vernacular architecture to promote innovation rooted in indigenous knowledge systems. She also called for the integration of traditional building methods into national building codes to ensure the preservation and formalization of these techniques. Lastly, she recommended creating national recognition and award systems for architectural projects that adhere to these sustainable and culturally resonant principles.
Ebelechukwu believes that implementing these ideas would position Nigeria as a continental leader in sustainable architecture while simultaneously stimulating youth employment across creative and construction industries. “VolArchy is eager to support these initiatives,” she added, “and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progress through architecture that reflects who we are as Africans.”
About VolArchy
VolArchy is a forward-thinking architectural firm that merges modern building science with traditional African design philosophies. The company is dedicated to enhancing the physical and cultural well-being of Nigerians through architecture that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in heritage.
