Ogun Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development

The Ogun State Government has restated its dedication to achieving a sustainable, safe, and well-planned environment through sound building practices and structured urban and rural development initiatives.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, made this known in a statement marking the 2025 World Habitat Day in the state. He noted that the United Nations, through UN-Habitat, designated the first Monday of October every year to raise awareness about the challenges confronting human settlements, particularly in urban areas, and to proffer lasting solutions.

Odunlami explained that the annual focus on human settlements stems from projections that by 2050, the global population will rise to 9.8 billion, with nearly 70 percent living in cities. This rapid urbanisation, he warned, could lead to problems such as inadequate housing, unemployment, rising crime rates, poor waste management, and insufficient infrastructure and services.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Urban Crisis Response,” continues the UN-Habitat’s mission—initiated in 1986—to identify challenges and propose sustainable solutions for global urban development. “The aim of the yearly commemoration,” Odunlami said, “is to remind everyone that we all share responsibility for the urban crisis and must collectively work towards the solutions, ensuring no one is left behind.”

The commissioner further urged Nigerians to obtain proper planning permits and building approvals before commencing construction. He cautioned against erecting structures or shanties on road setbacks and drainage channels, and against indiscriminate refuse dumping. He also encouraged residents to beautify their surroundings by planting trees and flowers.

Meanwhile, Professor Bamidele Badejo, a Geography and Regional Planning expert at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, who featured on OGTV’s New Dawn programme to mark World Habitat Day, called on the government to integrate town planning professionals into Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance sustainable environmental planning.

Also speaking on the programme, Mr. Fatai Adefala, Director of the Ogun State Fire Service, emphasized that safeguarding lives, properties, and maintaining community hygiene are collective responsibilities, urging all citizens to contribute to a safe and healthy environment.