Heinrich Boll Stiftung and ARCTIC INFRASTRUCTURE in collaboration with researchers in Kogi state solicit the support of stakeholders in Kogi State to adopt the Flood Resilience and Affordability Building Guidelines for Kogi State.
While presenting the guideline, Mr. Adedeji Adegoke, the Senior Project Associate at ARCTIC INFRASTRUCTURE, urged participants to apply and share the knowledge gained from the workshop.
The facilitator, Mrs Joy Oyiza Obadoba, a PhD scholar on affordable housing for low-income earners at the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development- University of Lagos, and a Lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the Federal Polytechnic Idah, explained that the guidelines will help shape urban infrastructure and building guidelines in flood prone across Kogi State using affordable building materials. She stated that the measures will promote safety, sustainability, and community well-being in both urban and rural areas across Kogi state.
Dr Joy noted that the guidelines will not only guide how communities grow but will also protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. She noted that integrating the guidelines into the state’s regulatory policies will ensure a proactive approach to disaster management. According to her, the initiative will help low-income earners access safe and affordable housing.
In addition, Prof. Olanrewaju Ifatimehin of Kogi State University, Kabba, stressed the need for collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities for successful retrofitting programmes. He urged the state government to adopt indigenous building technologies to address the housing deficit and use pilot projects for urban renewal in selected locations. He said the guidelines will reduce flood risks, shorten disaster recovery time, improve community safety, and provide long-term cost savings. He added that the measures align with Nigeria’s climate adaptation goals.
Also in attendance was the State Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Management Project, (NEWMAP) Doctor Yahaya Abdullahi Abbas. He acknowledged Kogi State as highly vulnerable to flooding. Dr Abbas also commended the Governor, his excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo for the efforts he has taken towards protecting lives and property and urged residents to obey town planning regulations.
In separate remarks, the Director of Urban and Regional Planning at the Bureau of Lands, Garuba Danlami, and the Kogi State representative at the Town Planners Registration Council, Ramatu Baba, commended the organizers and pledged their support for the initiative.
The youths were not left out as Abdulmalik Adeiza, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, also promised to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop in his immediate community.
The event was attended by multiple stakeholders including
Government officials, academia, non-governmental organizations, and residents from various local government areas, including Okene, Anyigba, Kabba, Idah, Koton Karfe, Adavi, Ijumu, and Lokoja, attended the event.
The Flood Resilience and Affordability – Building Guidelines was funded by Heinrich Boll Stiftung in partnership with ARCTIC INFRASTRUCTURE and co-authored by Joy Oyiza Obadoba, Builder Aisha Orumah Sylvanus, Mr. Zekeri Abraham David, and Dr. Ekele Thompson Ochedi.
The authors looked forward to continued engagement with the communities and policymakers towards implementing the document as a working tool in Kogi State as an
inclusive and sustainable society.
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