Nigeria and Canada have forged a partnership to promote urban development and effective governance at the local government levels.
Under the initiative, the city of Brampton in Canada will host a symposium between 21 and 25 October 2024, in collaboration with some selected Local Government Areas in Nigeria to develop innovative solutions to common urban challenges.
Speaking on the symposium tagged “Bridging Brampton and Nigeria’s Local Government Areas: Urban Innovations for Global Progress”, the mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, in a statement on Thursday said the initiative would foster an exchange of ideas and experiences between the two countries at the grassroots level.
In the statement by the Specialist, Community Engagement Office of the mayor, Maurice Imadu, Brown stated that it aligned well with Brampton’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and learning.
He said, “We appreciate that the initiative will foster an exchange of ideas and experiences between our two cities, focusing on innovative urban governance practices, technological solutions, and community engagement strategies.
“We recognise the importance of such collaborative efforts in addressing common urban challenges and promoting sustainable development. This aligns well with our commitment to fostering international cooperation and learning”.
While noting that community engagement is a key benefit for Brampton, Brown stated that the symposium will provide a valuable platform for our local stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and participate in discussions that can inspire local initiatives and drive positive change.
“For the Lagos community, the emphasis on knowledge sharing and transfer would facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions that can be adapted to their unique urban environment”, he added.
During a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, the co-facilitator, David Adewale, disclosed that the symposium would feature leadership discussion and panellist participation, showcasing best practices and success stories from both countries.
According to Adewale, a curated tour seeking to gain insights into Canadian urban planning and infrastructure would be held on the sideline of the meeting.
He said, “Both countries will share cutting-edge ideas and experiences in urban governance, technology, and community engagement. The Council chairmen as well as other participants are expected to embark on a curated tour of Ontario, gaining insights into Canadian urban planning and infrastructure. They will also share their local government’s advancements and initiatives, highlighting progress in Nigeria”.
Adewale added that the symposium would offer a unique opportunity for global recognition, networking, and exemplary leadership.
One of the Local Government Chairmen present, Kehinde Oloyede of Oshodi-Isolo, described the symposium as a good development that came at the right time.
He said the focus being on the third tier of government would give room to explore the prospects of urban innovations.
“The choice of Nigeria also makes this a pride for us as a good number of the existing local councils in the country are beacons of innovation and development. For a fact, Lagos State being one of them where we also operate is home to some of the most innovative and forward-thinking local government areas in Africa.
“By sharing our stories, we hope to inspire our counterparts in Brampton to embark on a similar path of innovation and development, creating a brighter future for all. Through such collaboration, we will also tap into their valuable expertise to enhance our capacities, thereby significantly bolstering our development progress and impact”, he added.
