By One Plot
Built Environment Advocate
Ibadan – In recent years, conversations around the built environment in Nigeria have gained momentum. Urban resilience, climate adaptation, waste management, and inclusive development are no longer fringe ideas—they are central to the future of cities. The latest Executive Council decisions in Oyo State reflect this shift, offering a glimpse of what intentional, people-centered development can look like.
The Oyo State Government has set in motion a ₦18 billion investment plan spanning infrastructure, environmental upgrades, and public services. At the heart of this initiative is a clear recognition: that a sustainable, well-maintained built environment is fundamental not only to safety and health, but also to economic growth and social equity.
Climate Resilience: Flood Control as a Public Infrastructure Priority
The Executive Council’s decision to dredge eleven rivers across Iseyin, Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and other flood-prone areas is a powerful statement. With climate risks increasing year after year, this move not only mitigates immediate danger but signals a shift toward integrated flood management. It shows a commitment to protecting the urban fabric—homes, roads, markets, and lives—from seasonal devastation.
Urban Cleanliness & Waste Infrastructure
Refuse collection, often overlooked, is a cornerstone of functional urban living. The approval given to the Ministry of Environment to procure more compactor trucks directly addresses the mounting pressure on waste systems in expanding cities. For urban planners and environment advocates, this is a win—an investment in public health, aesthetic appeal, and long-term environmental sustainability.
Emergency Infrastructure: Strengthening Fire Response Systems
The inclusion of upgraded fire fighting and rescue equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service comes in response to recent market fires, including the Aleshinloye market incident. But beyond the reaction, it represents something deeper: a government taking steps to safeguard informal and formal economic spaces through robust emergency infrastructure. This not only protects property but stabilizes the economy at the grassroots level.
Energy and Aesthetic Upgrades: Laying the Groundwork for Smart Spaces
Modern cities require reliable power and visually appealing spaces. The planned installation of a power transformer and generator at the Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park and the energy storage upgrade for the dualized Ladoke Akintola Airport Road are critical steps in that direction. They bring together functionality and form—hallmarks of any thriving built environment.
Public Lighting and Mobility: Enabling Nighttime Economy and Safer Travel
Lighting is more than illumination—it’s safety, commerce, and connectivity. The ₦15.1 billion investment in lighting along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road promises to activate Ibadan’s nighttime economy while supporting traffic decongestion and better navigation. For commuters and businesses alike, it’s a transformative improvement.
Road Rehabilitation: Reconnecting Communities
The approved rehabilitation of several internal roads in Ibadan will enhance movement within neighborhoods, support local commerce, and improve overall urban mobility. Strategic investments in roads like those in Bolajoko Estate and Bishop’s Court are steps toward inclusive development—where everyone, not just central business districts, benefits from infrastructure.
Cultural Integration: The Built Environment as a Stage for Heritage
The decision to support the World Egungun Festival illustrates an often-underestimated dimension of the built environment: its ability to host and amplify cultural identity. When infrastructure and culture align, cities become living expressions of heritage and innovation. This not only boosts tourism but reinforces pride of place.
A Model Worth Emulating
What Oyo State is doing is not perfect, but it’s commendable. It shows what’s possible when urban planning, environmental sustainability, and social equity are prioritized together. For built environment professionals, urban marketers, and policy advocates, this is a moment to watch—and perhaps a model to replicate.
The future of Nigerian cities lies not just in skyscrapers, but in systems that work, spaces that include, and policies that protect. Oyo is making a statement: our environment is worth building—and worth preserving.
About the Author:
One Plot is a passionate advocate for sustainable cities and the built environment. Through his platform, the Landlords – an intersection for built industry players, he shares insights on a wide range of issues from urban design, policy, real estate, marketing strategies and investment opportunities that can empower communities and promote inclusive growth.
