A Tribute to Teachers: Honoring the Dedication of Mrs. Alibi and All Teachers

 

World Habitat Day 2024: Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future

As urbanization reshapes cities worldwide, the theme of this year’s World Habitat Day, "Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future," emphasizes the pivotal role young people play in addressing urban challenges. In Lagos, one of Africa's most rapidly growing megacities, youth engagement in environmental sustainability is becoming essential for creating livable, resilient spaces.

Lagos continues to experience significant population growth, with over 20 million residents navigating challenges such as inadequate housing, congestion, and environmental degradation. High-density living, combined with limited infrastructure, has caused strain on the city’s resources, from waste management systems to green spaces.

However, Lagos also presents opportunities for innovation, particularly with the involvement of young people. Youth-led organizations are at the forefront of advocating for sustainable urban solutions, from affordable housing to green energy initiatives. Lagosians are embracing new ways to address these urban problems while engaging their communities to contribute to a brighter urban future.

One of the most pressing concerns in Lagos is the lack of accessible green spaces. With few public parks and recreational areas, the city's residents, especially the youth, have started various initiatives aimed at restoring and creating urban green spaces. These spaces not only offer residents respite from city life but also provide natural filtration systems for air and water, crucial in a city plagued by pollution.

In collaboration with local authorities, youth-led clean-up drives and tree-planting campaigns have sprung up around Lagos. Such activities also raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the role green spaces play in fostering mental and physical well-being.

Affordable housing is another area where Lagos faces significant challenges. The rising demand for housing far outweighs the supply, leading to overcrowded informal settlements. Youth-driven projects aimed at developing sustainable housing solutions are gaining traction. Many young innovators and developers are experimenting with environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient designs that reduce environmental impact while providing affordable living options for Lagosians.

For example, programs that train young people in construction techniques using recycled materials or renewable energy are starting to address the city’s housing crisis. These initiatives are helping to bridge the gap between demand and supply in a sustainable way, demonstrating the power of youth in tackling housing issues.

Lagos is also a city where traffic congestion and emissions pose a significant threat to public health and the environment. The introduction of electric mobility solutions, particularly electric bikes and scooters, has started gaining traction as part of the effort to reduce carbon emissions. Youth entrepreneurs and start-ups have begun offering delivery services using electric bikes, cutting down on air pollution caused by traditional fossil-fuel vehicles.

Cities like Accra, which benefit from more stable electricity supply, are already utilizing electric bikes like Wahoo for deliveries, showing a clear example of how Lagos can also push for cleaner, more efficient mobility. If embraced fully, electric mobility could be a game-changer in Lagos, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and making urban transportation more sustainable.

Waste management remains one of the biggest environmental challenges in Lagos. The city generates about 10,000 tons of waste daily, much of which is not properly disposed of, leading to pollution and health hazards. However, youth-led initiatives focused on waste recycling and management are beginning to make a difference. Programs like "Trash for Cash" encourage residents to recycle by offering monetary rewards for collected plastic waste, thus reducing the volume of waste in landfills while promoting sustainable practices.

Additionally, organizations such as The Clean Up Nigeria Project and Sustainable Waste Management are mobilizing young people to engage in waste collection drives and awareness campaigns. These programs educate the public about recycling while helping to reduce the overall waste footprint of the city.

Tech-savvy young Lagosians are also finding innovative ways to turn waste into reusable materials. Some start-ups are converting plastic waste into building materials, while others are creating apps to track and manage waste disposal more efficiently.

Whilst Lagos is the primary focus, cities like Abuja also face similar habitat issues. Jabi Lake, a popular recreational area in Abuja, is in dire need of a clean-up. The park, which attracts visitors on weekends, is often littered with horse waste, scooter bikes, and an unclean lake that detracts from its beauty. Efforts to clean and maintain such spaces are critical, not only for aesthetics but for the overall health and well-being of residents. Revitalizing Jabi Lake would make it more serene and accessible, showcasing how urban environments can be transformed to benefit both the community and nature.

The future of cities like Lagos depends on the energy, creativity, and commitment of young people. Youth engagement is not just about activism; it is about hands-on involvement in areas such as housing, green energy, mobility, and waste management. For instance, engaging students and young professionals in projects that promote sustainable practices—such as the development of solar-powered homes, electric mobility solutions, and community-driven recycling initiatives—can accelerate the transition to greener, more sustainable urban environments.

The theme of World Habitat Day 2024 calls for the active participation of youth in creating a better urban future, and cities like Lagos are already seeing the positive impact of this involvement. From reducing carbon emissions with electric bikes to addressing the housing crisis with sustainable construction, young Lagosians are leading the charge in transforming their urban habitats.

As these youth-driven projects continue to gain momentum, cities across Africa—including Abuja—can look to them as models for how to create sustainable, livable spaces for future generations. With more support and recognition, these initiatives will help build urban areas that are resilient, environmentally friendly, and aligned with global efforts to combat climate change.