Urban Renewal Initiatives in Nigeria: The Abeokuta Experience
Olubodun, M. E. & Elesin, O. G.
Department of Architectural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State
Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State
ABSTRACT
The emergence of rapid population growth in many developing counties including Nigeria has brought about the continuous need for urban renewal initiatives. The fact that most urban cities had been planned before the advent of the regional town planning and urban development gave birth to clustered cities and towns which are at variance with today’s changing urban world. Adequate urban management, infrastructural innovations and sustainable urban management are key issues to the 21st century environment. A proactive attempt to transform a hitherto old or ancient urban center into a well-structured urban environment which can withstand today and tomorrow’s infrastructural and aesthetic demands is described as urban renewal. In most of these initiatives, there have always been challenges to contend with, especially those that have to do with action plans for resettlement of slum dwellers, the displaced people in the line of development and re-constructions. Adaptations to new environmental concerns as well as socio-economic issues are part of the areas that have always been at the trail of urban renewal projects. This took a closer look at the urban renewal and regeneration of Abeokuta as the capital city of Ogun State, vis a vis the attendant contending issues and accruable benefits.
Keywords: urban, renewal, environment, development, infrastructure
