The twelfth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF), organized by UN-Habitat, brought together over 24,000 participants from 182 countries. This global event, held in Cairo.
The Institute for Environment Research and Development (IERD) announced the award winners during the “Voice from Cities” event, themed “Rejuvenation of Slums and Local Economic Interventions for Nigerian Cities.” Executive Director Prof. Adedeji Daramola noted that this award initiative began in 2008 at the fourth WUF in Nanjing, China, and continued at the fifth WUF in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has since become a biennial event assessing the quality of life in cities.
Award Highlights
Egypt:
- Cairo: Cairo was awarded for its smart city approach to urban governance, particularly the development of “Greater Cairo,” an administrative entity that includes parts of Giza and Qalyubia provinces. Dr. Omar Balbaa from the Ministry of Transport accepted the award on behalf of Cairo Governorate’s governor, Dr. Ibrahim Saber. The award recognized effective management under UN-Habitat’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nigeria:
- Lagos: Lagos was celebrated for its proactive approach to crime prevention and efficient transportation systems, earning the award for Outstanding Urban Governance and Safe City Model. The award was accepted on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Engr. Fatai Akinderu, Honourable Commissioner for Housing.
- Ondo: Praised for its innovative community security system, Amotekun, both the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (posthumously) and the current governor received awards.
- Rivers: Recognized for continuity in governance and ambitious housing projects, Governor Siminalayi Fubara received the Award of Excellence for Good Governance and Urban Development.
- Benue: Awarded for outstanding grassroots and inclusive governance, Benue’s infrastructural development aims to transform it into a notable tourist destination.
- Enugu: Governor Peter Mbah was recognized for his Smart City Concept, which is likened to Lagos’s Eko Atlantic project, promising significant economic benefits for the region.
- Borno: Known for urban resilience and smart city initiatives, Dr. Usman Kumo accepted the award on behalf of the governor, commending IERD’s objective assessment.
- Zamfara: Governor Dauda Lawal was honoured for innovative urban governance and city resilience.
- Kebbi: Recognized for its LAKE rice product coalition with Lagos, Kebbi’s Governor Dr. Nasir Idris received an award for excellence in urban governance and city prosperity.
Other Recognitions
Non-state actor organizations such as Lafarge Holcim Conglomerate, T-Pumpy Concepts, Plinths and Pitches Incorporated, and Adron Homes were also awarded. Notable attendees included Dr Oluyinka Olumide Hon Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and Hon Fatai Akinderu Commissioner for Housing. Dr. Oluyinka Olumide and Engr. Fatai Akinderu, TPL Nathaniel Atabije (past president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners), Bar Festus Adebayo (Executive Director, Housing Development Advocacy Group), and Engr. Oluwole Sotire (Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development).
Participants from other countries, including Dr. Omar Balbaa from Siemens, and Faez A. Althobaiti from Aseer Development Authority, Saudi Arabia, emphasized the international scope of the event.
Future Initiatives
IERD announced plans to collaborate with UN-Habitat to publish a report on the state of Nigerian cities, following the model of the Global Report on the State of World Cities. This documentation will support proactive urban governance and growth. Prof. Adedeji Daramola concluded that the awards aim to integrate Nigerian cities into the global community of urban excellence and development.
