From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State government has revealed that it has collaborated with the United Nations-HABITAT to achieve an effective urbanisation in the state.
Speaking at a new briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Housing and Mortgage Development, Dr Gboyega Oloniyo, said that the collaboration is targeted at ensuring a comprehensive urbanisation and development of Ado- Ekiti, capital of the state and will examine the theme: ‘Identification of areas of interventions for sustainable urban development’
Oloniyo explained that delegates of the UN-HABITAT are expected to be in the state between October 15 and 17 for a UN-HABITAT scoping mission,
towards the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) signed in June by the Ekiti State Government and the United Nations Human Settlement Programme.
The Special Adviser who said the three-day visit would focus on sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in communities, noted that the visit will also provide a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, collaborations among experts, policymakers and stakeholders, adding that the UN expertise and experience, over the years, will undoubtedly enrich the understanding and contribute to the formulation of comprehensive strategies for sustainable development in the state.
He hinted that the international body would also help the state government in attracting funding from donors as well as support agencies towards the implementation of the structure plan.
“Ekiti State, known as the ‘Fountain of Knowledge’, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant communities. As you immerse yourselves in our state, you will witness firsthand the challenges and opportunities that lie before us in achieving sustainable urbanisation.
“Ekiti State, under the administration of His Excellency, Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, is committed to promoting sustainable urbanisation, ensuring access to basic services, and creating resilient cities for our citizens. We believe that by working collaboratively, we can address the pressing issues of urbanisation, such as housing, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.”
Oloniyo added, ” the collaboration would also consider local communities by listening to their voices and learn from experience, which by so doing would ensure that actions are truly people-centered and that the strategies developed are tailored towards the unique needs and aspirations of the people.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Karounwi Oladapo, said that the urbanisation exercise will bring about rapid development of the state capital and help transform it into an investor- friendly environment.
The Commissioner who assured the people that the urbanisation programme was not to inflict hardship on them, lamented that Ado-Ekiti remained the only state capital in the Southwest states that has no master plan, stressing the importance of having a well-structured master plan to bring on board accelerated development in Ado-Ekiti
The Special Adviser, State Capital Development Authority, Hon. Trade Aluko said the Chairmen of Ado Local Government and Local Council Development Areas would be adequately carried along in order to make the project a seamless exercise.
Others at the press conference were, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Works, Hon. Shola Adebayo, Commissioner for Budget, Hon. Oyeniyi Adebayo and Director General/ Special Adviser, Bureau of Lands and Geographic Information System, Mr Akintobi Oluwasanmi
