SPEAKER TALKS: LOOKMAN OSHODI

The Big 5 Construct Nigeria hosts Lookman Oshodi as one of the event's speakers on its launch edition in Lagos. Part of a broad complimentary and CPD certified agenda dedicated to educating and empowering construction professionals in Nigeria, Mr. Oshodi's workshop takes place on September 9 at 12:00-12:45 hrs.

Titled "Application of the Smart City Model in Nigerian Cities", the presentation focuses on:

• Structure of Nigerian Cities
• Current Applications of Smart City Model in Nigerian Cities
• Potentials, Challenges and Impacts of Current Applications of Smart City Model
• Platforms for Sustainable Smart Model Application
• Priority Investment Areas for Smart City Model in Nigerian Cities

Here's what Mr. Oshodi, Project Director at Arctic Infrastructure, revealed us ahead of the workshop:

The current status of smart city in Nigeria can be described as early stage. The concept and theoretical framework is gaining popularity in the country but the application and implementation is yet to be replicated on a larger city scale.

Although many major projects are in the planning phase as part of a long term strategy in some states across Nigeria, some projects are already in the location mapping and acquisition stage. For example, as part of its long term urban sustainability and livability, Edo State is considering the smart city model on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model while Lagos is on the table with Lagos Smart City Project.  However, there is need to set the right perception for these projects as they are emerging so that the promoters will not represent enclosed smart infrastructure as smart city.

The Nigerian construction industry should invest in smart infrastructure since it is an emerging sector filled with gaps and opportunities. However, this requires foresight thinking and long term investment projections which may be suitable for patient investors.

Also, settlement pattern of Nigerian cities, smart infrastructure investment requires some level of creativity on the part of investors. Investment opportunities may not be limited to familiar city infrastructure such as transportation, real estate and energy: there is a massive window in the healthcare, education, water and sanitation, disaster risk management, security, tourism and data generation that awaits investors’ exploration.

During my presentation at The Big 5 Construct Nigeria, I will share knowledge on cutting edge innovation in smart city models across different cities globally, the current situation in Nigeria, pathways for the country on sustainable smart city models, sector investment opportunities, actors and guide for investors. It will be an insightful session where construction professionals will learn about the adaptability of crucial smart city principles in the Nigerian infrastructure and physical development architecture. ​   

The Big 5 Construct brand has successfully created a reputable platform bringing together construction and infrastructure players in different cities, both globally and in Africa. Its success story in Nairobi is a landmark in stakeholders’ engagement and construction educational advancement.

The hosting of first The Big 5 Construct Nigeria in Lagos will be a replication of its global success story, coupled with the uniqueness of ​ the city of Lagos in accommodating such a multi stakeholder event. The event will provide a convergence point for government, professionals, academics, manufacturers and other key industry players to network, see emerging trend and embedded opportunities in the sector.  

About Lookman Oshodi

^{Lookman Oshodi, a Commonwealth Professional Fellow is the Project Director of Arctic Infrastructure (AI), a multi-disciplinary private organization with a broad focus on infrastructure delivery, urban development, and the environment. Oshodi is an infrastructure, urban development and city system strategist. He is a member of the Technical Committee for the 2018 Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation and was appointed in May 2018 as one of the four International Jury Members by the Metropolis-based in Barcelona, Spain.}

^{Oshodi is the Nigerian coordinator for the Dutch Alliance for Sustainable Urban Development in Africa (DASUDA’s) Lagos Lagoon City Project, and is leading a team of local and international experts to support the Edo State Government in establishing a new urban development and infrastructure planning institution.}

^{He is also leading multiple study projects with the Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) covering housing types and mortgage system for low-income groups in Lagos State, transportation and climate resilient infrastructure in the city of Lagos. He is the Technical Lead for the formulation of new housing funding architecture for the city of Lagos under the auspices of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing in conjunction with Heinrich Boll Foundation and Arctic Infrastructure (AI).}

^{He was the project manager for the urban water and sanitation project with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Development Innovations Group (DIG) in Bauchi and Kaduna States, and a Technical Assistance Consultant to Eko Urban Development Project (EKO-UP), a multiple infrastructure delivery project of French Development Agency (AFD) and the Lagos State Government, Nigeria.}

^{He is working, as a Consultant, with Save the Children International, SUPPORT of Switzerland, Institute for Liberty and Democracy (ILD), Peru, Water Aid UK and Community Energy Scotland on various healthcare, water and sanitation, housing, energy, and other strategic urban infrastructure delivery projects.}

^{He prepared the institutional reform document for restructuring of organizations tasked with the regeneration and urban development in the city of Lagos among which is Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), served as the Program Coordinator for the reform of Nigerian Land Use Policy under the auspices of Land Use Act Amendment Advocacy Group (LUAAAG) and worked as a consultant to review and update the National Human Settlement Policy and National Urban Housing Policy for the Republic of Rwanda. He led the preparation of the 2014 Buckminster Fuller Challenge finalist Makoko/Iwaya Waterfront Regeneration Plan.} 

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