admin 
By Olasunkanmi Oduntan –
The Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja was abuzz with energy as key stakeholders converged for the Lagos Resilience Forum 2024 on Tuesday, 2nd July. Themed ‘Leveraging Resilience for Lagos’ Development Trajectory,’ the forum sought to outline strategies for sustainable and resilient growth in Lagos.
The event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Folayinka Dania, Chief Resilience Officer of Lagos State. Dr. Dania emphasized the necessity of resilience in addressing the rapid urbanization and associated challenges facing Lagos.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Mosopefolu George, represented by Dr. Olajide Abiodun, Special Adviser on E-GIS & Planning Matters to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to embedding resilience in its developmental agenda.
A keynote address by Dr. Adedoyin Salami, Former Chief Economic Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighted the importance of economic resilience for maintaining Lagos’ status as a key economic hub in Africa.
Dr. Ayo Teriba, CEO of Economic Associates, initiated the first panel session with an insightful presentation on “Economic Resilience and Lagos as a Global City.” Moderated by Prof. Olufemi Saibu of UNILAG, the session included distinguished speakers:
- Mr. Muhammad Okorie, Programme & Social Policy Manager, UNICEF
- Mr. Mobolaji Onimole, Director of Development Partnership, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget
- Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, LSETF
- Dr. Adun Okupe, Executive Director, The Sahara Centre
This panel explored strategies to enhance economic resilience and ensure Lagos’ competitiveness globally.
Mr. Michael Bankole, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, set the stage for the second panel with a presentation on “Socio-environmental Resilience and Lagos as a Sustainable City.” Moderated by Dr. Ayo Tella, Consultant in Environmental Management and Public Health, the session featured:
- Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, GM, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs
- Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary, Human and Environmental Development Agenda
- Mrs. Bimbo Oshobe, President/Co-founder, Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation
- Mr. Kayode Ashamu, Sustainability Consultant, PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited
Discussions focused on socio-environmental resilience, emphasizing inclusivity and environmental stewardship to secure a sustainable future for Lagos.
Hon. Mosopefolu George, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for Lagos State, highlighted the role of resilience in city governance. He noted the importance of adaptability and continuous change in managing the unexpected challenges of a mega city, particularly referencing the city’s effective response to the pandemic. George stressed that resilience is fundamental to the city’s survival and progress, with state development plans anchored by a resilience strategy.
Dr. Folayinka Dania detailed the significant climate challenges facing Lagos, such as sea level rise, extreme heat, and rainfall. Projections indicate potential damages between $33 billion and $39 billion by 2050 without intervention. To combat these threats, Lagos has developed the Lagos State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, comprising 33 projects across sectors like coastal protection, waste management, water supply, and infrastructure improvements. These initiatives aim to bolster climate resilience and cost approximately $9 billion.
Dr. Dania highlighted ongoing efforts to secure funding for these projects and enhance flood management through drain rehabilitation and community education on waste management. Additionally, Lagos aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via waste reduction, reuse, and recycling campaigns, including a ban on single-use plastics.
According to Dr. Dania, the Lagos State resilience strategy, released in February 2020, was developed through extensive community and stakeholder engagement. She emphasized the need for continuous updates to this strategy to capture new opportunities and threats, ensuring resilience through actionable policies and initiatives.
Various stakeholders, including experts, academia, youths, students, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), convened at the Lagos Resilience Forum.
The forum concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a resilient and sustainable Lagos, demonstrating a shared commitment to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for the betterment of the city and its inhabitants.
