FG's Urban Development Agenda, A Necessesity for Wellbeing of Future Genenerations - Minister Gwarzo

** Says, sector policy initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deliberate for collective good.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo has stated that the integrated urban development agenda under the housing and urban development sector was intended to provide positive transformation of urban landscafe at all levels, thereby securing the future for Nigerians.

Minister Gwarzo stated this in his closing address of the 2024 National Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations in Nigeria held at Dejavu Hotels abd Suites, Akure, Ondo State.

The address of the Minister was read on his behalf by Director Urban and Regional Development of the Ministry, Tpl Dr Olakunde Akionola David.

" It is imperative that we continue to prioritise sustainable development in all our planning and implementation efforts .... sustainable development is not just a goal, rather it is a necessity for the wellbeing of our current and future generations " Gwarzo stated

The theme for the 2024 conference is 'Effective Physical Planning as a Panacea for Integrated and Sustainable Urban Development in Nigeria "

Gwarzo who described the conference a valuable opportunity to catalogue the honest efforts of the current administration towards repositioning Nigeria's housing and urban development sector, commended the dutiful and indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the massive strides in pointedly addressing issues of housing and sustainable development.

Accordingly, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the many sector players at the states' governments level doing quite alot, saying what is remaining is to integrate and galvanize the individual efforts into a single and indivisible whole.

" By integrating sustainable practices, we can create urban environments that are resilient, inclusive and capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation " he concluded

The Minister called on the participants to have a common focus on creating green spaces, promoting energy efficient buildings and ensuring that urban planning processes are environmentally friendly, pointing out that sustainable development will not only enhance the quality of life for citizens but also position Nigeria as one of the leaders in Innovative and responsible urban development.

Ondo State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Bunmi Alade and Professor Albert Abegunde, a member of National Institute of Town Planners (NIPL), and Lecturer in University of Ife, attended the closing ceremony.

The three days conference was attended by 197 Participants from 31 States of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).