A groundbreaking partnership between the United Nations Habitat Technical Support, led by Akintobi Olusanmi, and the Ekiti State Government aims to revolutionize urban development and housing while integrating tourism into the state’s growth strategy. During a recent workshop in Ado-Ekiti, Olusanmi, who also serves as the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Land Matters, outlined the initiative’s key objectives. These include the establishment of an urban observatory to track development progress, tackling housing shortages, implementing a comprehensive waste management system, and fostering public-private partnerships to bolster infrastructure.

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Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration is dedicated to sustainable urban growth, actively seeking private sector expertise to drive these initiatives forward. Mrs. Rosemary Odunbaku, UN-Habitat’s Human Settlements Officer, commended the government’s proactive approach, highlighting the pressing need to meet housing demands as Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is projected to double by 2030.

Dr. Gboyega Oloniyo, Special Adviser on Housing and Mortgage Development, shared updates on the government’s achievements, including the allocation of 150 hectares of land for development and the construction of 1,000 houses. He emphasized the necessity of a geographical map to guide sustainable development efforts. Meanwhile, Prof. James Olaleye, Special Adviser on Land, eGIS, and Survey, stressed the importance of effective land planning to ensure sufficient space for both residents and wildlife.