By Kehinde Erin
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has promised to elevate the standard of living across the state.
He has pledged to tackle the pressing challenges facing Housing and Urban Development, recognising that access to adequate housing is a fundamental human need and a crucial driver of socio-economic growth.
The Governor announced this development during a recent 2-day symposium, which brought together stakeholders in housing and urban development at the Glass House, Government House in Lokoja, the state capital.
The symposium, themed: “Modern Housing & Urban Development,” was specifically designed to tackle the pressing housing challenges confronting the people of Kogi State.
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Representing the Governor, Honourable Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environment, reiterated the Governor’s administration commitment to transforming the lives of Kogi State residents through modern housing and development initiatives, saying that the Governor has made significant investments in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, recognising its crucial role in boosting the state’s economy.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Abanika Taiye, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun, emphasised that the symposium aims to revolutionise the urban and housing landscape of Kogi State.
This transformation will propel the state towards becoming a modern, green, and resilient smart city, prioritising sustainability and affordable housing.
He added that the Governor has made significant strides in addressing land disputes and environmental degradation in Kogi State. Specifically, even as he has taken bold steps to reclaim lands that were previously hijacked by land grabbers. Additionally, the Governor has effectively utilised the N13billion allocated to revive the ecological degradation affecting 300 units across three constituencies in the state.
He stressed that the programme aims to provide affordable housing for the people of Kogi State.
According to the Speaker, this initiative is a testament to the collective aspirations of Kogites under the visionary leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“The Governor has built upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, and has worked tirelessly to prioritise the Ministry,” he said.
The Speaker commended Governor Ododo for his efforts, acknowledging his dedication to improving the lives of Kogi State residents.
The Commissioner emphasised the numerous benefits of the proposed blueprint, which aims to transform the state into a mega-city boasting a serene environment, cutting-edge urban regeneration, upgraded slums, and affordable housing options. This visionary plan seeks to establish the state as a premier destination for businesses, tourists, and innovators alike, offering a unique blend of sustainability, quality living, and innovation.
Some of the key features of this blueprint include: Smart Urbanisation: Leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, streamline urban processes, and boost efficiency. Green Resilience: Promoting environmental sustainability through renewable energy sources, eco-friendly infrastructure, and sustainable house designs. Social Inclusion: Ensuring that affordable housing options and urban renewal programs cater to the needs of every citizen, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
The Commissioner emphasised that achieving the vision of transforming Kogi State’s housing and urban development landscape requires a collective effort.
He stressed that it demands the collaboration of all stakeholders – policy makers, community developers, traditional and opinion leaders, and every citizen of Kogi State adding that this is the mission of the ministry and must make it a reality.
Hon. Aliu Salami, Economic Adviser to the Governor and CEO of Kogi State Public-Private Partnerships, emphasised the significance of the symposium.
He noted that the blueprint presented will unlock numerous benefits, ultimately driving rapid development in the state. By harnessing the potential of public-private partnerships, Kogi State can leverage the strengths of both sectors to achieve mutual benefits and accelerate growth.
He added that the programme is designed to foster collaboration with Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), stakeholders, and other relevant parties to achieve its objectives saying this collaborative approach will enable the programme to leverage the strengths of both public and private sectors, ultimately driving success and sustainable development in Kogi State.
Dr. Zainab Obadaki, Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, stressed the significance of the programme in achieving modern housing schemes for the people of Kogi State.
She highlighted the Governor’s unwavering commitment to transforming the housing and urban development sector, which will ultimately enhance the rapid development and economic growth.
