Architecture
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, April 10, 2018 (NAN) Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, the President of Pan-African Cultural Congress Bureau, has advised African countries to embrace the indigenous building materials such as mud while building their houses for durability.
He also advised them to embrace the traditional architectural designs, saying all these would help to curb natural disasters, incessant building collapse and reduce costs incurred during building.
Anikwe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the African traditional architecture entailed the use of mud and some other local materials as against the use of cement and other imported items.
He said that this would afford several individuals to own their own houses and reduce housing deficit in the country.
“It will also help us to promote the African culture, attract international tourists and increase the country’s GDP.
“As Africans, we must retrace our steps and return to our roots, minimise our imitations of the Western culture,’’ he said.
Anikwe, the Director-General of the Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC) said that Nigeria would benefit by embracing the suggestion.
He said, “Houses built with mud are usually stronger than houses built with cement.
“Bullets rarely penetrate through buildings built with mud, so our security will be guaranteed.”
Anikwe said that the congress would organize events to enlighten Nigerian on the importance of embracing local contents in building their houses.
He, however, urged the hospitality industry to embrace the traditional architectural designs while constructing hotels, chalets and other relaxation outfits to make Nigeria and Africa a tourist hub. (NAN)
PTB/ENN/PAD
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Dada