Don seeks master plan for Ibadan’s sustainable development
NAN-AE-6
Plan
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, March 2, 2017 (NAN) Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, the Director, Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, says a master plan is necessary for the sustainable development of Ibadan metropolis.
He made this observation in a lecture he delivered to commemorate the first coronation anniversary of Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadanland held at Mapo hall in Ibadan on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, was installed on March 4, 2016.
Olaniyan in his lecture titled: “Sustainable Development of Ibadan: Past, Present and Future” identified lack of a master as the major cause of development problems confronting the largest city in West Africa.
“There must be a master plan that is not just produced but also implemented religiously.
“Unfortunately, whether there is a plan or not, the city continues to grow,” he said.
The don said that the population of Ibadan would be more than double in the next thirty years.
He urged the leaders of Ibadanland to make the city’s development all-inclusive for affordable growth and provision of basic services.
“As we grow this city, we need to constantly remind ourselves whether our usage, exploitation and enjoyment of the resources of the city will not jeopardise the ability and capacity of future generations.
“So they will appreciate and enjoy the resources and benefits of Ibadanland,” he said.
The lecturer said that the sustainability of the future depended on how responsible the people have lived today, urging every stakeholder to play his roles well.
Olaniyan said that sustainable development agenda required trade-offs across three components, namely economic, social and environment.
“For example, eradicating poverty is accompanied by more intensive environmental exploitation methods; the rising middle class leads to more industrialisation or growing cities.
“Each of these changes come at an environmental cost. So, the interlink ages between economic, social and environment issues need to be considered,” he said.
NAN recalls that Chief Isaac Ishola, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources had on Feb. 23 announced that Ibadan City master plan was75 per cent completed.
“The master plan is all-involving. It is a document that takes care of the city and all human components; what they want and where they want it.
“When we talk of master plan, we are talking of the types of infrastructure we need, where we need them and how much do we need,” he said.
NAN reports that the event also featured planting of tree, which was performed by the monarch. (NAN)
TAA/OSA/AFA
Edited by Shittu Obassa/Felix Ajide