The HipCity Innovation Centre (HipCityHub) Thursday in Abuja unveiled the Bwari resident’s charter of demand on city development, a landmark document that is the direct outcome of a participatory and inclusive community engagement with residents of Bwari Area Council which is aimed at assessing and addressing the urbanisation challenges.
Present at the ceremony were local government chairman representatives, representatives of the traditional councils, Councilors’, community representatives, and residents.
The high point of the ceremony was the unveiling of the documents in the presence of dignitaries present at the occasion.
Making his remark at the unveiling ceremony and the official presentation of the document, the executive director of the centre, Bassey Bassey, noted with regrets that Bwari, one of Abuja’s fastest growing councils, is still facing enormous challenges among which are unaffordable housing, inadequate transportation, weak service delivery, exclusion of vulnerable groups among others.
Proffering solution, the charter, according to him, was crafted from months of dialogue with women, youth, and persons with disabilities, as well as response of the residents themselves.
He said: “It captures their realities and their vision for an inclusive, sustainable Bwari.This Charter is not just a report. It is a manifesto of rights and dignity. It is a tool for residents to hold the government accountable and for the government to better understand and respond to the needs of its people. It aligns with our national priorities and the global SDGs, making Bwari a model for inclusive city development.”
While stressing the need for residents and government to build strong collaborations, the charter he added has become a roadmap.
While also making a presentation at the programme, the Marketing and Communications Manager, Millard Fuller Foundation, Mr John Olugbemi decried inability of Abuja residents to access decent housing, saying: “affordable housing is the foundation for social stability,”
Titled Affordable Housing: Opportunities and Prospects for an urbanizing Bwari Area Council said his organization has continued to be solution providers in the past 20 years adding: “We are ready to partner government at all levels to deliver housing units to residents,”
Speaking for the physically challenged in the area council, Mr Peter Umar lauded HipCity, saying he was a beneficiary of their initiatives.
Umar then called on the LG to launch an advocacy and also make roads and other public facilities accessible to special people and people living with disability in the area.
The Councilor representing Dutse ward, Honourable Dauda Pashemibo commended the NGO for choosing Bwari for such future development, promising to rally the traditional councils, the local council, youths and other residents to ensure that the charter is fully implemented.
Adamu Shekwonya, Councillor representing Kubwa ward, described the initiative as very apt, assuring that he, alongside members, would ensure it has legislative backing.
Other speakers at the ceremony were Honourables Peter Obala from Usman ward and Gabriel Solomon of Ushafa ward.