FIABCI canvasses youth-centered urban policies

Towards attaining urban resilience, the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI)-Nigeria chapter has canvassed improved roles for the youths in mitigating multi-faceted challenges confronting cities and urban areas.

The association noted that cities, which are home to over half of the world’s population, are facing unprecedented challenges ranging from climate change and population growth to the pressures of housing and infrastructure.

The group’s President, FIABCI-Nigeria, Mr Akin Opatola, who spoke at an event at Yabatech, Lagos to mark the World Habitat Day (WHD), 2024 entitled: ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,’ said there is a beacon of hope that the energy and innovation of young people will help curb the issues.

The forum attracted Yabatech Deputy Rector, Adefemi Lawal, students of the college, professionals, and Senior Special Assistants to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSPDC), Mr Derin Phillips and Public Works, Titi Cole.

He explained that the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; but the changemakers of today, who possess the drive and digital fluency to rethink how cities function, how homes are built, and how communities can thrive.

Opatola pointed out that city development must be about inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience as cities must work for everyone, especially for the youth, whose future depends on the decisions we make today

“Our role as industry leaders; policymakers, and advocates is to open the doors of opportunity for young people in urban planning, construction, and real estate management, invest in their ideas, provide mentorship, and support their ventures in building resilient and inclusive urban spaces.

“By empowering youth, we ensure that our cities remain vibrant, diverse, and capable of adapting to the shifting tides of a changing world. Real estate plays a central role in shaping how cities evolve,” he said.

Young professionals, he said, are already driving innovations in real estate, from smart housing solutions and green building technologies to more inclusive urban planning models, adding that their participation in shaping urban spaces is essential.

They are reimagining housing for a future where affordability, environmental sustainability, and community living are no longer optional but core principles.

FIABCI President, Africa and Near East Region, Mr Adeniji Adele, listed strategies to engage youth for a better urban future to include youth-centred urban policies, skill development and education, access to funding and resources, promoting green and sustainable practices and collaboration between governments, the private sector, and youth organisations by pooling resources to tackle urban challenges.

On how Nigerian youth are already contributing to a better future, he said this includes youth-led recycling initiatives that provide low-income communities with a platform to manage waste and earn rewards and youth-driven environmental movements that advocate for creating green spaces in urban areas.

According to him, engaging the large demographic of youths in Nigeria is key to ensuring a sustainable urban future, adding that young Nigerians are highly entrepreneurial, with a growing number of youths involved in tech-based start-ups, smart urban solutions, and green initiatives.

The Planning Committee Chairman, FIABCI-Nigeria World Habitat Day, Ayodeji Odeleye, said youths are not just tomorrow’s leaders but today’s architects, innovators, and changemakers, calling on professionals to provide them with tools, opportunities, and platforms to take ownership of the urban challenges.

Odeleye who doubles as FIABCI-Nigeria Vice President said the contributions of youths and students to technology, design, architecture, or policy will define cities’ future, stressing that celebration is a call to action, inviting them to engage, participate, and lead in creating sustainable, resilient urban environments.

President, FIABCI-Nigeria Young Member Council, Kenny Nwankwo, advised critical stakeholders to align the interest of youths with broader goals, and business opportunities, explore practical solutions, empower the youths, as well as build a sustainable future together