The Ogun State Government has said that it is set to create smart cities through its regeneration schemes across all the urban centres in the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who disclosed this on Thursday during the 2024 World Environment Day (WED), with the theme: "Achieving the Smart City Agenda Through Climate Change Resilience and Urban Afforestation", noted that climate change was a phenomenon which everyone should actively participate in for a safer society.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun said that his administration had implemented initiatives to enhance green spaces, promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions with over 100 hectares in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ota and other locations restructured to become environmentally friendly through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The governor stressed that it had become imperative to collectively ensure a safe environment, informing that his government was collaborating with urban planners, architects and other stakeholders to ensure the project was achievable.

The Director General of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr Zachariah Buba Yaduma, in his presentation on achieving the smart city agenda, explained that in achieving green infrastructure, certain things must be put in place, including urban forestry, management of parks in cities and creation of open green spaces, among others.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said this year's global theme was reviewed to reflect the peculiarity of the state's ecosystem, noting that the event was an opportunity for the state to strengthen elements of strategic planning and enhance coherence among socio-economic and environmental policies.

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