Sustainable development

“A Call for Sustainable Urban Development and Community-Centered Growth” by Idris Animasaun

Opinion / / / , , ,

Someone recently told me to stay silent when states discuss the environment and climate change, saying I come from a state that has turned open parks and gardens into real estate. While His Excellency is one of the best governors in the country and a leader I deeply respect, it is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to the concerns being raised regarding the environment and social development. The United Nations Agenda 2030 reminds us that “sustainable cities and communities are critical to ensuring a future where no one is left behind.” I am deeply concerned about the extensive deforestation our city has experienced in recent years under this administration, without efforts to replant or restore green spaces. We’ve lost public places that once allowed for community gatherings and social interaction, yet there have been no upgrades to existing facilities, let alone the development of new ones. The absence of street furniture and intentional urban design in our road rehabilitation projects highlights a gap in prioritizing public spaces as catalysts for social cohesion and development. As stated in Goal 11 of the UN Agenda 2030, “access to green and public spaces, in particular for women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities,” is essential for inclusive, safe, and resilient cities. The environmental and social impacts of these changes cannot be overlooked. We have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to reverse this trend by investing in sustainable urban development that strengthens both our environment and our sense of community. There is immense room for improvement. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

“A Call for Sustainable Urban Development and Community-Centered Growth” by Idris Animasaun Read More »

Tragedy at Eleyele Junction: A Call for a Cleaner, Safer, and Sustainable Environment

Opinion / / / , , , ,

A few days ago, a tragic incident occurred at Eleyele Junction in Ibadan Metropolis. According to eyewitness accounts, a truck loaded with granite lost control and struck roadside traders before crashing into a garage where passengers were waiting. This devastating accident left several injured, lives lost, and the community in chaos and mourning. This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need to address the dangers of roadside trading and its impact on public safety. While the Oyo State Government has repeatedly warned against trading on walkways, setbacks, and main roads, citing concerns about city aesthetics and public safety, recent events suggest a gap in enforcement and commitment to maintaining a safer environment. Underpasses at Molete, Mokola, and similar locations have become hubs for traders and beggars, raising questions about the state’s resolve in addressing this growing menace. A visit to the Challenge area reveals how pedestrian walkways have been overtaken by traders, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads and endangering their lives. Despite the visible presence of officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Agency (OYRTMA), enforcement remains weak. One anonymous trader disclosed that individuals regularly collect revenue from them for using these spaces. This raises critical questions: • Who is collecting this revenue? • Were these spaces designed for trading? • Why aren’t the environmental task force and other agencies enforcing regulations effectively? If the state government is truly committed to creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment, immediate action is required. Enforcement of regulations must be swift and consistent, complemented by sustained advocacy and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should target schools, markets, and malls, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order, cleanliness, and public safety. A cleaner and safer Ibadan is possible, but it requires intentionality and collective effort. Oyo shi ma dun! #ZeroToleranceIbadan #CleanerIbadan #Environment #SustainableDevelopment #Sustainability Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

Tragedy at Eleyele Junction: A Call for a Cleaner, Safer, and Sustainable Environment Read More »

“Balancing Progress and Preservation: Oyo State’s Battle Against Illegal Structures and the Path to Sustainable Urban Development” by Idris Animasaun

6 Comments / Opinion / / / , , , , , , , , ,

Following the indiscriminate springing up of shanties, illegal structures and kiosks around the perimeter of Ojoo Bus Terminal, The Oyo State Government had earlier issued a seven-day relocation notice to all squatters, stall and kiosks owners to vacate the area. The development led to protest being made to the Chairman of Agidigbo FM Oriyomi Hamzat by the victim asking him to help appeal to the State Government through the Honorable Commissioner for Environment for staying of execution of the enforcements. On Saturday, I joined Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola Jagaban and Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat to carry out inspections of the affected areas. As an advocate of sustainable waste management, it is important to review illegal shanties and stalls already on drainage channels. The city is currently experiencing a rapid urbanization of its peri-urban centers like Ojoo becoming a gateway into the city, a focal point and as such have her own impact on businesses but most importantly on the city’s image, perception and impression of the state. Addressing the presence of shanties and illegal structures in urban neighborhoods is crucial for the well-being and progress of the community. It goes beyond immediate safety concerns, extending to the broader goals of organized development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced overall quality of life. Removing these structures opens up opportunities for positive transformation, fostering a resilient and aesthetically pleasing urban environment that benefits everyone. And there is now a growing need to ensure we do not only collaborate but compliment that he effort of the government. The commissioner communicated the ministry’s plan with the market men and women that the effort of the state government is for their own safety as the intensity of rainfall associated with climate action means there will be flooding if pathways for water is being blocked by some of their activities. He emphasized that provisions were already made to cordon off some parts for them to go about their daily activities, stressing the need to accomodate one another with respect to these existing provision which includes the neighborhood market. Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat empathize with those that may/will be affected by this decision and told them to be law abiding as the Seyi Makinde administration is a compassionate administration that will continue to put the interest of the state first.

“Balancing Progress and Preservation: Oyo State’s Battle Against Illegal Structures and the Path to Sustainable Urban Development” by Idris Animasaun Read More »