Introduction to Responsible Land Management
Stakeholders in the housing sector have called for urgent action towards responsible land management and sustainable development across Nigeria. They made the call during the unveiling of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation and his 70th birthday thanksgiving, held on Friday in Abuja.
The Importance of Urban Planning
Prof. Adamu Ahmed, Guest Lecturer and Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, said God entrusted man with land management, as stated in the religious books. Speaking on ‘The Ethics of Space and the Moral Imperative of Urban Planning,’ Ahmed described urban planning as an ethical endeavour currently facing serious threats. He identified threats such as unchecked expansion, deforestation, habitat loss, gentrification, and land grabbing under the guise of urban renewal and agricultural land conversion.
Challenges Facing Urban Planning
Ahmed added that unregulated development and over-reliance on car-centred infrastructure contribute to carbon emissions, land degradation, and unsustainable living environments. He urged town planners to reclaim their ethical roles by applying land ethics in all planning decisions and strategies. This, he said, requires shifting from profit-driven, short-term planning to more inclusive, sustainable, and environmentally conscious urban development.
Recommendations for Sustainable Development
Ahmed also called for climate-resilient cities, ethical governance, indigenous stewardship, and the prioritisation of ecological integrity in planning efforts. He praised Atebije’s contributions to urban planning and wished him well on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration.
Nathaniel Atebije’s Foundation
The celebrant, Nathaniel Atebije, a former president, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), thanked God for life and emphasised the importance of responsible land use and management. He criticised unregulated development, which he said is driven by instinct rather than planning, and poses risks to present and future generations. Atebije explained that his foundation aims to correct irregularities in planning through sustained advocacy and awareness efforts.
Support from Stakeholders
Mr Akintoye Adeoye, president, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), said Atebije’s contributions have greatly benefited the real estate and town planning ecosystem in Nigeria. He noted that real estate shapes lives and economies, and advocacy is vital to achieving a fair, sustainable, and well-regulated housing sector. Dr Ogbonna Chima, NITP President, commended Atebije for extending his mentorship through the foundation to promote sustainable development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stakeholders in the housing sector have called for urgent action towards responsible land management and sustainable development in Nigeria. The unveiling of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation and his 70th birthday thanksgiving has brought attention to the importance of urban planning and the challenges facing it. It is essential for town planners to reclaim their ethical roles and apply land ethics in all planning decisions and strategies to achieve sustainable development.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation?
A: The foundation aims to correct irregularities in planning through sustained advocacy and awareness efforts.
Q: What are the challenges facing urban planning in Nigeria?
A: The challenges include unchecked expansion, deforestation, habitat loss, gentrification, and land grabbing under the guise of urban renewal and agricultural land conversion.
Q: What is the importance of responsible land use and management?
A: Responsible land use and management are crucial for present and future generations, and unregulated development poses risks to the environment and human lives.
Q: Who are the stakeholders supporting the call for responsible land management?
A: Stakeholders include the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), and other professionals in the housing sector.
Source: nannews.ng
