Cairo, Egypt – 6 November 2024 – The twelfth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF), organized by UN-Habitat, attracted over 24,000 participants from 182 countries in a landmark event held in Cairo.
During the “Voice from Cities” event, themed “Rejuvenation of Slums and Local Economic Interventions for Nigerian Cities,” the Institute for Environment Research and Development (IERD) announced the recipients of prestigious awards recognizing urban development achievements. Executive Director Prof. Adedeji Daramola emphasized that this award initiative, which began in 2008 at the fourth WUF in Nanjing, China, has evolved into a biennial celebration of urban quality of life.
Awards Presented at the World Urban Forum: 2nd right, Dr Omar Balbaa Received an award on behalf of the Governor of Cairo Governorate Dr Ibrahim Saber, while 2nd left is Prof Daramola who presented the award on behalf of the Institute for Environment Research and Development (IERD).
Award Highlights
- Egypt:
– Cairo: Recognized for its smart city approach to urban governance and the development of “Greater Cairo,” Dr. Omar Balbaa from the Ministry of Transport accepted the award on behalf of Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber, highlighting effective management aligned with UN-Habitat’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - Nigeria:
– Lagos: Honored for its proactive crime prevention strategies and efficient transportation systems, Lagos received the award for Outstanding Urban Governance and Safe City Model. Dr. Oluyinka Olumide and Engr. Fatai Akinderu accepted the award on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
– Ondo:Celebrated for its innovative community security system, Amotekun, awards were presented posthumously to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the current governor.
– Rivers: Governor Siminalayi Fubara received the Award of Excellence for Good Governance and Urban Development due to ambitious housing projects and continuity in governance.
– Benue: Recognized for outstanding grassroots governance, Benue is working towards becoming a notable tourist destination through infrastructural development.
– Enugu: Governor Peter Mbah was lauded for his Smart City Concept, akin to Lagos’s Eko Atlantic project, promising significant economic benefits.
– Borno: Honored for urban resilience and smart city initiatives, Dr. Usman Kumo accepted the award on behalf of the governor, acknowledging IERD’s thorough evaluation.
– Zamfara: Governor Dauda Lawal was recognized for innovative urban governance and city resilience.
– Kebbi: Celebrated 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 organizations such as Lafarge Holcim Conglomerate, T-Pumpy Concepts, Plinths and Pitches Incorporated, and Adron Homes also received awards. Key attendees included Dr. Oluyinka Olumide and Engr. Fatai Akinderu, along with TPL Nathaniel Atabije, Bar Festus Adebayo, and Engr. Oluwole Sotire. International participants, including Dr. Omar Balbaa from Siemens and Faez A. Althobaiti from Aseer Development Authority in Saudi Arabia, underscored the event’s global significance.
Future Initiatives
IERD announced plans to collaborate with UN-Habitat to publish a report on the state of Nigerian cities, based on the Global Report on the State of World Cities. This documentation aims to enhance proactive urban governance and development. Prof. Adedeji Daramola concluded that the awards are integral to integrating Nigerian cities into a global community of urban excellence.
For more information, please contact:
Prof. Elvis Otobo
Media Consultant
The Institute for Environment Research and Development (IERD)
About UN-Habitat:
UN-Habitat is the United Nations program dedicated to fostering a better urban future, promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements, and ensuring adequate shelter for all.
