By Ibironke Ariyo
Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has emphasised the importance of town planning in reducing disaster risks at the 2024 Town Planners Day event in Abuja.
Represented by a fellow of the institute, Dr David Olakunle, the minister stressed the need for town planners to play a more prominent role in disaster risk reduction and urban resilience.
He noted that the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters have made the role of urban planners more important than ever.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the FCT”, which he said addressed a critical concern in today’s world.
He stressed the need to integrate disaster risk reduction measures into urban planning, design and management to build resilient cities.
The Minister announced that the Federal Government was implementing initiatives to strengthen urban resilience across the country.
In his goodwill message, Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, said the FCT was increasingly vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters.
He underlined the responsibility of urban planners and policy makers to anticipate these challenges.
Also, Mrs. Lami Ayuba, President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, FCT Chapter, highlighted the growing need to design urban spaces that can withstand natural and man-made hazards.
