By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Ministry of Lands and Survey, in collaboration with the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Minna, ce...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Ministry of Lands and Survey, in collaboration with the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Minna, celebrated the 2024 World Habitat Day with an interactive session involving key stakeholders and partners.
During the event, held at the Niger State Geographic Information System (NIGIS) conference hall, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Maurice Bello Magaji, highlighted the significance of World Habitat Day, which was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1985. The day is observed on the first Monday of October each year to reflect on the state of human settlements and the universal right to adequate shelter.
This year's theme, "Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future," focuses on the role of young people in addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and shaping sustainable cities. Hon. Magaji emphasized the importance of involving youths in urban planning, noting that their participation would ensure long-term sustainability and foster a sense of ownership over future communities.
“When youths are part of the planning process, they are more likely to appreciate and support it,” the Commissioner said. “We aim for sustainable use of our environment through proper planning that includes the active involvement of youths.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Dr. Nuhu Garba Ngaski, praised the UN for focusing on youth engagement in this year's theme. He noted that youths are the social drivers of change and that recognizing and involving them is key to creating sustainable, environmentally friendly cities.
Dr. Ngaski also commended RCE Minna for its TSIRA Initiative, which has helped former thugs in Minna and its environs turn their lives around. He urged other individuals and organizations to support RCE Minna’s efforts and promised that his ministry would collaborate with them to further engage youths in the state through awareness programs.
Dr. Abdul Hussaini, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Survey and Coordinator of RCE Minna, highlighted the importance of youth engagement for achieving global and regional agendas, such as the UN's "Pact for the Future" and Africa Agenda 2063. He emphasized that peace and focused youth involvement are essential for realizing these goals.
The event brought together participants from various organizations, including New Niger, the Niger State Urban Development Board (NUDB), NIGIS, RCE Minna’s youth wing, and several repentant thugs, who actively contributed to the discussions.
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