As part of my advocacy efforts for urban and rural linkages and creation of smart cities, I believe it is important to promote urban and rural linkages in order to encourage balanced and sustainable development. This can involve promoting initiatives that connect urban areas with nearby rural communities, such as the Edo State New Town Development Project that I visited today. This particular site is located along the Irhirhi-Obazagbon-Ogheghe Road and covers an expansive area of 1,229 hectares. By promoting urban and rural linkages, we can help to reduce urban migration, which can put pressure on already overcrowded cities and contribute to problems such as housing shortages and traffic congestion. Instead, by encouraging more balanced development and providing opportunities in both urban and rural areas, we can help to create more livable and sustainable communities.
Creating a new town is a significant undertaking that requires the coordination and collaboration of various government agencies and departments. It involves a range of activities, including land acquisition, planning and zoning, infrastructure development, and community engagement. The effort to create a new town in Edo State is therefore a commendable one and deserves recognition. I would like to express my appreciation for the leadership of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, in driving this initiative forward. I also recognize the contributions of every member of the government who is involved in this effort across all the MDAs. It takes a team of dedicated individuals to bring a new town to fruition, and I am grateful for their hard work and dedication to this project.
New cities can provide opportunities for economic development and job creation, particularly in areas that may be struggling economically. Creating new cities in different regions can help to promote balanced and sustainable development across a wider area, rather than concentrating development in a few urban centers. Most importantly, building new cities from scratch can provide an opportunity to incorporate new technologies and innovative designs that can make them more livable and sustainable.
To build a truly sustainable environment and improve the quality of life in the New Town, the government can adopt the following initiatives:
• Encourage green spaces and tree planting
• Adopt clean energy sources for power generation
• Implement proper waste management systems and policies to prevent littering and indiscriminate waste disposal
• Promote the use of sustainable materials and building practices in construction and development
• Invest in public transportation and infrastructure that promotes walkability and bikeability
• Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and technologies
• Develop policies to protect natural resources and biodiversity in the region
• Promote public health and well-being through initiatives such as park development, access to healthy food options, and community programming.
As a proud citizen of Edo, I encourage fellow citizens, especially the youth, to volunteer our time, knowledge, energy, and resources towards supporting government and other relevant institutions in driving the success of sustainable projects that will help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) New Urban Agenda, and also build resilience in our communities. you have a role to play towards a sustainable and resilient future. #newurbanagenda