I paid a 5-day working visit to Abuja from 11th to 15th March, 2024.
During the visit, I engaged with various stakeholders in the built environment, including government MDAs, NGOs, and civil society groups, with a focus on garnering support for UN Habitat programs in Nigeria.
One of the highlights of my visit occurred at the UN-Habitat Programme Support Office, where I had the opportunity to engage with Mr. Paul Okunlola, National Programme Officer/OIC of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme Office, Abuja. The purpose of this meeting was to align myself with their activities and mandate.
Subsequently, I proceeded to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, where I met with esteemed dignitaries including the Honourable Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, the Director for Urban and Regional Development, Mr. Olakunde David, and Mr. Omotayo Adeoya, Focal Point UN Habitat/Urban Sector Multilateral Programs. In this meeting, I introduced myself as Stakeholder Adviser to the Executive Director of the UN Habitat, Michal Mlynár, and sought collaboration from the Ministry. I emphasized my commitment to promoting sustainable urban development and stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with the UN Habitat to leverage expertise, resources, and opportunities for sustainable urban development projects in Nigeria.
Additionally, I held productive meetings with other key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, H.E Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande and the Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Obinna C. Onowu. These discussions focused on seeking support and highlighting the importance of synergy across all stakeholders for the successful implementation of sustainable urban development initiatives in Nigeria.
I anticipate connecting with other relevant stakeholders as we work towards achieving the UN-Habitat agenda and advancing sustainable urban development in Nigeria and the rest of the world. Together, we can foster collaboration, mobilize resources, and implement impactful projects that benefit our communities and contribute to sustainable urban development.
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