Ekiti State has partnered with UN-Habitat to enhance urban development and housing while integrating tourism into these initiatives. Akintobi Olusanmi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Land Matters, made the announcement during an Institutional Capacity Support Workshop in Ado-Ekiti.
The collaboration aims to establish a cutting-edge urban observatory to monitor development progress and tackle housing shortages through a landmass development project. Additionally, a waste management system will be introduced to mitigate environmental impacts, and public-private partnerships will be fostered to improve infrastructure.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration is committed to sustainable urban development, emphasizing the importance of private sector involvement. Olusanmi highlighted the need for collaboration to meet housing demands, especially as Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is projected to double by 2030.
Mrs. Rosemary Odunbaku, a Human Settlements Officer at UN-Habitat, praised the government’s efforts and stressed the urgency of addressing housing needs to prevent a critical situation.
Dr. Gboyega Oloniyo, the Special Adviser on Housing and Mortgage Development, noted that the government is already making progress, with 150 hectares of land earmarked for development and the construction of 1,000 houses underway. He also emphasized the necessity of creating a geographical map to guide sustainable development.
Prof. James Olaleye, the Special Adviser on Land, eGIS, and Survey, reinforced the need for effective land management to provide adequate space for both people and wildlife, continuing the legacy of previous administrations.
News Editor