Naomi Gabriel —
The Director, Applied Research and Technology Innovation (ARTI), , (Yabatech), Dr Akinsola Olufemi yesterday called for inclusion of Lime in aggregates that would ensure building of durable houses and can last for centuries.
Olufemi, who has carried research on colonial buildings across Lagos and Nigeria, also a construction expert, made the call at a ‘Hybrid 2022 Builders’ Business Conference’ in Ikeja, the Lagos state capital. He further revealed that the Lime included in the cement and other aggregates was responsible for their resilient quality and durability.
He added that the research was conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in collaboration with Yabatech and other experts.
Olufemi noted that Lime was currently produced and available in large commercial quantity in Nigeria but building professionals and the public were not aware of its importance for achieving durable construction.
He listed buildings built by colonial masters in the 18th and 19th century still standing strong in some parts of Nigeria.
The expert said that the Race Course and other pre Independence and Independence buildings in Lagos State were still standing strong.
“UNILAG old building built in 1967 has no single crack,” he said.
He urged members of the NIOB to lead the campaign in popularizing use of Lime by getting their clients to use the mineral.
