SPEAKER TALKS: DR. OLAJUMOKE M. AKIODE

The Big 5 Construct Nigeria hosts Dr. Olajumoke M. Akiode as one of the event's speakers at its launch edition in Lagos. Part of a broad complimentary and CPD certified agenda dedicated to educating and empowering construction professionals in Nigeria, Dr. Olajumoke M. Akiode's workshop takes place on September 9 at 14:00-14:30 hrs.

Titled "Towards a sustainable infrastructure delivery in Nigeria: The role of the construction industry", Dr. Olajumoke M. Akiode's presentation focuses on:

• Sustainability
• Inclusion
• Homegrown innovation in infrastructure delivery

Here's what Dr. Olajumoke M. Akiode, Executive Director/CEO of the Center for Ethics and Sustainable Development (CESD), revealed to us ahead of the event:

How do you define a Sustainable infrastructure?

Infrastructure delivery that promotes balanced integration of economic, social and environmental dimensions. That is, infrastructure delivery that goes beyond promoting economic development, but also enhances quality of life for citizens, increases positive impacts (benefits),  helps protect our vital natural resources and environment, and promotes a more effective and efficient use of financial resources.

What are the challenges faced for sustainable infrastructural development in Nigeria?

The challenges faced are:
​1. Existing operational public policy prioritizes investments in economic activity without regard for the social and environmental impact.

2. Dearth of cutting edge information and technical know-how for industry practitioners on how to implement environmentally sustainable construction and infrastructure delivery.

What are the factors that will accelerate sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria?

Change in policy focus, funding of extensive research and contextualized research uptake and open access to information among researchers and industry practitioners.

What is the role of the government with regards to sustainable construction?

Policy formulation that promotes sustainable infrastructure delivery and intentional implementation and the funding of short and long term research plans.

What will industry professionals learn by attending your presentation at The Big 5 Construct Nigeria?

They will learn the essentials of sustainable infrastructure delivery, Inclusion and home grown innovation in the construction sector.

^{About Dr. Olajumoke M. Akiode -}

^{Dr. Olajumoke M. Akiode is the Executive Director/CEO of the Center for Ethics and Sustainable Development (CESD), an independent, think-tank providing thought leadership on sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria. She has worked on many policy research projects, organized focus group discussions, policy dialogues, advocacy activities, and stakeholder engagement events on diverse issues within and outside Nigeria. These include urban renewal, sustainable infrastructure delivery, affordable housing, Public-Private Infrastructure Partnership (PPIP) and environmentally conscious development policy and practice. She has also authored some peer-reviewed articles and research papers. She works with international organizations and development partners on gender and socially inclusive PPPs, affordable and sustainable housing.} 

^{Olajumoke holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Applied Ethics & Socio-political philosophy from the University of Lagos. She also holds a Certificate in Public-Private Infrastructure Partnership (PPIP) from the University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia. She is the founder of the Women in Infrastructure Community Africa (WICA), an advocacy platform for women engaged in the infrastructure sector in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa. She is a member of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)’s Infrastructure Policy Commissions, UN Women’s Empowerment Principle (UN WEP), UN Global Compact Nigeria Network, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, as well as a member of EvalGender Evaluation Network and Evidence-Based Policy in Development Network (EBPDN).}

For more information about The Big 5 Construct Nigeria, and to attend the event, visit www.thebig5constructnigeria.com