Expert calls for master plan to develop small towns in Nigeria
Story from Jamila Yunusa SULEIMAN.
A Professor of Urban Geography and Environmental Management, Magnus Ojeifo, emphasized the urgent need for a master plan to enhance the development of small-sized towns in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 107th Inaugural Lecture of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo, Ojeifo highlighted the challenges faced by major cities, such as congestion, inadequate housing, waste management issues, unemployment, and poor water and energy supply.
He expressed concern about the consequences of unplanned urbanization, leading to the emergence of slums, traffic problems, insecurity, disease outbreaks, pollution, flood, and urban blight.
Ojeifo stressed the importance of comprehensive physical planning initiatives to address these issues and promote urban functionality, creating aesthetically pleasing and conducive living environments. READ ALSO: Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) , Katsina State chapter celebrates International Women’s Day
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sonnie Adagbonyin underscored the necessity of developing new small-sized towns to alleviate the pressure on major cities and tackle environmental challenges.
He emphasized the importance of living healthily, safely, conveniently, and efficiently in different environments.
The institution’s commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility, ensuring an uninterrupted academic calendar, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions was also reaffirmed.
The event concluded with the formal decoration and admittance of Ojeifo as a full professor.
