Oyebanji’s Government Secures UN-Habitat Approval For Sustainable Urban Development Programme 

By Joseph Sunday 

The Government of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State has secured the United Nations – Habitat Approval for Sustainable Urban Development Programme, EK-SUDP,
at a recent Project Review Committee, PRC session held in far away Nairobi, Kenya.

According to an official communication signed by the Director of the Regional Office for Africa, Oumar Sylla, the programme was approved without any comments, an indication of the exceptional quality of the proposal and the strong collaboration between Ekiti State and UN-Habitat.

Reacting to the development, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the approval as a landmark achievement that highlights the state’s growing reputation as a forward-looking government committed to sustainable development, strategic urban planning, and inclusive growth.

Olatunbosun explained that EK-SUDP is designed as an integrated framework that addresses key areas such as spatial planning, land administration, urban resilience, and solid waste management, adding that the programme aligns with global development priorities, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong emphasis on SDG 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities.

He further noted that the achievement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ekiti State and UN-Habitat in June 2023, which established a framework for collaboration on urban development, regional planning, and urban renewal initiatives, adding that the partnership has since driven technical engagements, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building efforts that laid the foundation for the programme’s success.

“This approval is a testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the unwavering commitment of the Ekiti State Government to transforming urban spaces into engines of economic growth and improved quality of life,” the Commissioner stated.

Stressing that the programme is expected to significantly enhance access to serviced land, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote sustainable urbanisation across Ekiti State, Olatunbosun assured that with the PRC endorsement secured, the State Government will move swiftly to finalise the Contribution Agreement with UN-Habitat and commence implementation.

He reaffirmed Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and resources required for the timely execution of the programme, while also expressing appreciation to UN-Habitat for its continued partnership and technical support.

The Commissioner emphasized that EK-SUDP represents a critical step toward building resilient, inclusive, and prosperous urban communities in Ekiti State, in line with the administration’s shared prosperity agenda.