Innovations, investments critical to urban development, say Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu

Cities can solve many urban-related challenges through innovations and investments that address sustainable growth, urban development and prosperity.

This was the submission of speakers at the webinar conference to mark the 1st Annual sustainable cities dialogue in commemoration of the coronation of Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II) as the 15th Oniru Of Iru-Land.

Speakers at the event included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on SDG, Orelope Adefulire and Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, among others.

Osinbajo, represented by Minister of State for the Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, said sustainable growth means fostering economic growth and development, while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which peoples’ well-being relies.

Osinbajo, who described the theme of the conference, ‘Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities in the New Normal’, as apt, said the Federal Ministry of Environment is addressing environmental challenges in the country, as a number of policies and action plans have recently been approved by the Federal Executive Council, such as the National Forest Policy, aimed at sustainable management of forest resources and preservation of ecosystem.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Solape Hammond, commended Oba Lawal for coming up with the initiative barely two months after his installation as the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, expressing optimism that the conference would engender the development of Iruand and the entire Lagos State. He added that the thrust of the conference was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of his administration.

In his remarks, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was represented by Engr Joseph Makoju, said the kingdom is in safe hands, adding that the monarch has shown signs of driving the kingdom with lofty ideas that will engender rapid development of not only the kingdom, but also Lagos and Nigeria.

Bello said given the exposure of the current monarch and the potentials of Iruland, the kingdom stands a better chance to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Other participants in the sustainable dialogue were: Associate Professor of Urban Planning, Univers potentialofs; Dr. Taibat Lawanson; Chairman, ChapelHill Denham Group, Mr. Olawale Edun,; Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, (Dr) Abiola Dosumu; CEO, Contact Consulting, Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan; Director, Executive MSc. CITIES: London School of Economics & Political Science, Dr. Philipp Rode among other distinguished personalities.