Dangiwa Advocates for Youth Inclusiveness in Urban Planning and Development  The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has underscored the need to incorporate the youth perspective into Urban Planning and Development, in order to effectively address climate change and ensure that cities remain resilient in the face of emerging challenges.   Dangiwa made this known while giving his keynote address at the commemoration of the 2024 World Habitat Day/World Cities, in Abuja.   The theme for this year’s World Habitat Day is “Engaging youth to create a better urban future” and for the World Cities Day, “Youth leading climate and local action for cities”.   The Minister appreciated the promptness of the themes for the event, pointing out that the youth of today are not only the leaders of tomorrow but are already making significant contributions to sustainable urbanization through innovation and advocacy.   While acknowledging the power of the unique insights and powerful voices of the young people in shaping the future of communities, the Minister emphasized on the importance of creating spaces where the ideas of the youth are valued and acted upon.   According to him, “By supporting their initiatives with the necessary resources, we can enhance their impact on urban development and climate resilience”.   The Minister was delighted at the Ministry’s role to lead Nigeria’s participation in the Urban October celebration, adding that the Ministry took pride in joining the international community to tackle the multifaceted challenges of urbanization, with the goal to raise awareness of the issues within Nigeria and promote collaborative action across all levels from local communities to the international stage.   Arc. Dangiwa noted some of the steps being taken in the Country under the Housing Ministry to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization to include: the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program which aims to build 50,000 housing units under phase 1; a 2-Day Workshop on Green Buildings by World Bank, IFC EDGE Programme, for technical staff of the Ministry, which is part of the drive to ensure the incorporation of sustainable and climate smart practices into housing projects.   Accordingly, he stated the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable urbanization beyond housing, siting initiatives that support the low income earners such as the ongoing work towards the establishment of the National Social Housing Fund, aimed at helping the lower income Nigerians access affordable housing.   While the Minister revealed that the efforts of the Ministry aligned closely with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty, inequality, and climate change, he acknowledged that the challenges required the support of every segment of the society, with youth playing a key role.   “By engaging youth in urban planning and decision-making, we can create cities that offer opportunities for all while remaining resilient to the impacts of climate change”, he added.   Further charging the young leaders to drive real change with their potentials, Dangiwa assured that they would be provided with the needed resources and opportunities to shape a sustainable and equitable urban future.   “We stand with you, ready to amplify your voices and support your efforts in creating cities that reflect our shared values”, he encouraged.   Similarly, he expressed optimism that the work being done at the Ministry would impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, making housing more affordable and accessible while fostering inclusive urban growth.   Earlier in his message for the day, the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres, noted that Cities needed the energy and vision of youths to champion the cause for change, being at the forefront of climate crisis with more than half of the world’s population and 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.   Mr. Gutteres expressed hope that empowering young people can lead to acceleration of climate action and global driven progress for Sustainable Development Goals.   “We must amplify their voices, invest in their ideas, and promote their meaningful participation in urban decision-making”, he further said.   In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Honourable Abiante Awaji, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abdulhakeem Ado, said the occasion offered an opportunity for reflection, action and collaboration in the strive to create a sustainable, inclusive resilient Urban space.   He stated that the challenges of lack of proper planning, building without consideration of climate change, conversion of residential areas to that of commercial, among others, being faced by Cities can be solved when young people whose energy, creativity and commitment to sustainability are engaged.   Hon. Abiante further assured that the house committee would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian Cities are planned and managed for the benefit of both present and future generations.   In his Welcome Address, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that by the event, the Country was joining the global community in the laudable venture of advancing the interest of National, regional and global stakeholders, on issues of sustainable urbanization.   He encouraged all stakeholders to contribute their ideas, share experiences and propose solutions in the their discussions.   “Let us work together to build inclusive, safe and resilient cities where all citizens regardless of background or social economic status can thrive”, he said.   Dr. Oginbiyi expressed appreciation to the UN- Habitat for their roles in making the event possible. ...

Housing Ministry Trains Staff on Green Building Practices   * Workshop Transformative for our Ministry, housing development - Dangiwa     * Its FG's commitment under President Tinubu to do things differently, adopt global best practices  A 2- day training workshop on Green Buildings Practices for the staff of the technical departments of the ministry of Housing and Urban Development has commenced today, Wednesday, October 30th, 2024.   The workshop was anchored by the Excellence in Design For Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) and a World Bank Group, International Finance Coorporation (IFC), in collaboration with the ministry of Housing and Urban Development.   Declaring open the workshop, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa described the workshop as transformative for the ministry because it's impact will transform the thinking approach of the staff.    Green Building Practice involves designing, constructing and operating buildings in an environmentally friendly manner and aims to provide residents with a comfortable, healthy indoor and outdoor environment.   Dangiwa said  "This administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to doing things differently by adopting global best practices that will improve the lives of the people and their health generally.  The workshop is beyond presentation, rather a  learning experience that will be adopted and will lead to real and tangible improvements in the way we plan and build homes in Nigeria"    He explained that the ministry will set standard and example for other ministries, agencies and even private sectors to emulate, adding that the ministry is ready to embrace green building to create a sustainable future for Nigeria.   Speaking earlier, the IFC EDGE Green Buildings Team Lead, Temilola Sonola, said that, Green Building would support Nigeria to adopt global best practices in order to fight against Climate Change, further disclosing that Nigeria has recorded 31 property developers, financial institutions and investors that have obtained EDGE GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION for a grand total of 35 projects in Nigeria, including diverse building types like hospitals, student accommodation and others.   She further stated that, building and construction sector contributes 40% to global Green Building certification and the factors to it which are rapid growth, urban population and utilization of outdated construction.    Sonola said, " complying with Green Building brings about use of less water, less energy, less waste and less infrastructure which will lead to improved air quality and living conditions. The financial benefits are enamous which includes increase in asset value and cost reduction".   The Permanent Secretary,  Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi in his remarks said, the workshop was timely as so many homes in Nigeria lack access to some of the basic amenities like water and energy among others.   He said, the workshop will help the staff as they comply to boost and improve the livelihood of those that are vulnerable.    ...

Dangiwa Inaugurates Builders Disciplinary Tribunal  … commends CORBON for collaborative engagement with the Ministry. … says Ministry remains committed to supporting stakeholders to meet global standards. Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has inaugurated a seven member Disciplinary Tribunal for Registered Builders of Nigeria, Tuesday,  October 29th, 2024. The Disciplinary Tribunal is charged with the duty of considering and determining any case of infraction by the members referred to it by the panel established by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) In his inauguration speech, the Minister expressed the Ministry's dedication to collaborate with professional bodies and regulatory agencies in the built environment, in order to ensure that it meets global standards. The tribunal is a part of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON),  empowered with the duty of upholding the standards of the building profession, as well as guarding public safety. Danhiwa disclosed that the inauguration was facilitated by sections 16 (1) and (2) of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004 which guides the establishment of the tribunal. While acknowledging the responsibility of builders to construct safe and reliable structures that protect lives, the Minister emphasized on the importance of adhering to regulations and standards in the profession, warning about the catastrophic consequence of compromising safety. “I have always believed that establishing structures, systems and procedures that enforce adherence to professional standards and ethics is crucial"  he said. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the recurring pattern of building collapse across the country, citing the tragic incident which recently occurred in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Similarly,  he also stated that the Builders Disciplinary Tribunal is designed to take decisive action on issues concerning gaps in enforcement and professional diligence in the building industry. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry” he warned. Accordingly, Arc. Dangiwa commended the CORBON for its collaborative engagement with the Ministry in providing a list of qualified nominees, further charging members of the tribunal to uphold the trust and credibility of the building profession by ensuring that disciplinary cases are managed with integrity, fairness and transparency. “Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities with the diligence and professionalism that this mandate requires”, he said. Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, the Chairman of the Registered Builders Disciplinary Tribunal,  Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah Stated that the inauguration of the Tribunal signified a bold statement by the Federal Government of Nigeria through Minister Dangiwa, that professionalization and regulation by law are being further entrenched in the building industry. He assured the Minister that the tribunal would enforce discipline on builders who are found wanting, further promising commitment to the professionalization of the built environment.   ...