UNILAG International Week Panel Tackles Urban Development Challenges, Advocates for Inclusive Smart Cities

The afternoon session of the 4th UNILAG International Week focused on a panel discussion themed "Smart Cities and Inclusive Urban Transformation." The event featured a keynote address by Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), who lauded the University of Lagos for its intellectual contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Represented by Dr. Bala Yusuf Yunusa, Senior Technical Advisor in the Office of the SSA, Orelope-Adefulure noted that while 17 percent of SDG targets are on track, over half have shown minimal progress, with nearly one-third stalling due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. She emphasized the urgency of addressing critical infrastructure gaps, affordable housing, and efficient transport to meet the needs of the growing urban population.

The SSA expressed hope that UNILAG International Week would further encourage the use of technology to create cities that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable in line with the 2030 Agenda.

Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Honourable Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, also spoke, highlighting efforts to transform Lagos into a smart city. He noted the challenges posed by rapid population growth and limited financial resources, calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban development, in line with SDG Goal 11.

The panel featured experts from various sectors, including Professors Taibat Lawanson and Mayowa Fasona from UNILAG, and discussions revolved around practical solutions for transforming urban environments to be smarter, safer, and more inclusive.  https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=43652