National Arts Theatre, Lagos tour
Lagos, Nigeria | October 23–26, 2025
WA BO NI!
An amazing first stop in my “strategic visit” to AIA Sub-Saharan Africa (AIA SSA). Three full days of engagement, advocacy, and meeting members, local leaders, and partners in a variety of settings. From keynote presentations at the AIA SSA Forum to Design Week Lagos, architectural tours, and cultural evenings, it has been an enriching experience. Beyond my understanding of Nigeria and Africa through the pages of National Geographic I grew up reading at home. Beyond the complexities of a nation, I sense tremendous pride in her people. I discovered the rhythm of Afrobeats and the legendary Fela Kuti. Happy to meet Yeni, Kuti’s charming daughter, during a night under the stars as Kuti’s music enlivened the courtyard of Freedom Park.
Many thanks to Olanrewaju Godman Olusola, AIA International At-Large Director and President of AIA SSA; and to AIA International Country Representatives for Nigeria, Abimbola Abena Ajayi and Adegdange Oshineye. Thanks as well to Ekaete Bassey, President of ACAN, for co-hosting one of the events. Congrats to Titi Ofugere, Founder of Design Week Lagos 2025, for another successful edition.
Lagos, Nigeria | October 19, 2025
A visit to a city is always made more meaningful by attending Sunday Mass at its Catholic cathedral. Such a blessing not only to attend Mass with my AIA International family (David and the rest), but also to witness the investiture ceremony of patrons and patronesses of the Catholic United Sisters at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. A joy to celebrate Mass on the same grounds where His Holiness Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass during his pilgrimage to Nigeria in February 1982. David Majekodunmi later took us on a brief tour of his Anglican church, Christ Church Cathedral.
My last day in Lagos ended with an appreciation dinner hosted by AIA Sub-Saharan Africa – Nigeria, with casual gift exchanges and smiles to remember my historic trip. Enough memories to last until we meet again.
Farewell Dinner with AIA SSA Nigeria leadership
Nairobi, Kenya | October 27, 2025
Flying from Lagos into Kenya’s “City of Cool Water,” aka the “Green City in the Sun.” Met by Arch. Florence Nyole, AIA International Country Representative for Kenya. Exciting.
Nairobi, Kenya | October 28–30, 2025
KARIBU!
Final stop of a two-nation visit - Nairobi, Kenya. Engagements with international members and leadership of peer and allied institutes, keynote presentations delivered, and meetings with national, state, and county leaders.
The first visit was to the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project. I love the ministry’s vision: “Building dignity for every Kenyan”. A courtesy call followed at the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), thanks to Florence Nyole, AIA International Country Representative and immediate past President of AAK. Delivered two keynote presentations on separate days. The first, the Presidential Forum, jointly organized by AAK and AIA Sub-Saharan Africa. The second, the Smart Cities Forum 2025, organized by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, UN Habitat, Smart E-Governance partners, and the Affordable Housing Board.
I experienced the serenity of Uhuru Park, the treasures of the Nairobi National Museum, and the natural beauty of Nairobi National Park.
Nairobi National Park, with Florence Nyole
Wrapped up my trip with dinner and a live band. Grateful to Florence Nyole for organizing my visit and for showing me around.
Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA
AIA International President 2024-2025
