By Gabriel Olawale

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other experts have expressed optimism in the rapid development of Iruland, saying cities can solve many urban-related challenges, if they drive innovations and investments that address sustainable growth, urban development and prosperity.

Speaking at a virtual conference to mark the  1st Annual sustainable cities dialogue in commemoration of the coronation of Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II) as the 15th Oniru Of Iru-Land in Lagos, speakers comprising  economic, environment and season administrators hailed the new Oniru’s passion about sustainable development for the benefit of Iru-Land with a focus on young people and women.

Vice President Osinbajo, who was represented by  Minister of State for the Environment Sharon Ikeazor,  defined sustainable growth means fostering economic growth and development while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which peoples’ well-being relies.

Professor Osinbajo, who described the theme of the conference entitled: “Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities in the New Normal” , as apt, said that the Federal Ministry of Environment is addressing  environmental challenges in the country.

“A number of policies and action plans have recently been approved by the Federal Executive Council  such as the National Forest Policy (for sustainable management of forest resources & preservation of our ecosystem), the National Solid Waste Management Policy, and the National Gender Action Plan on Climate Change that will mainstream gender into our climate change action plans there by creating jobs for our women, youth and vulnerable persons.

On his part, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Solape Hammond commended Oba Lawal for coming up with the initiative barely two months after his installation as the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, expressed   optimism that the conference enegender the development of Iruand and the entire Lagos  state. He added that the thrust of the conference was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of his administration.

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In his remarks, Alhaji Dangote, who was represented by Engr Joseph Makoju, said that there is no doubt that the kingdom is in safe hands, adding that monarch has shown signs of driving the kingdom with lofty ideas that will engender rapid development of not only the kingdom but the entire Lagos and Nigeria.

Other participants in the sustainable dialogue were: Associate Professor of Urban Planning, Univers potentialofs; Dr. Taibat Lawanson; Chairman, ChapelHill Denham Group, Mr. Olawale Edun,; Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, (Dr) Abiola Dosumu; CEO, Contact Consulting, Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan; Director, Executive MSc. CITIES: London School of Economics & Political Science, Dr. Philipp Rode and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire among other distinguished personalities

Vanguard