Title: The challenge of Millennium City Project in sub-Saharan Africa: the example of Akure millennium city in Ondo State, Nigeria

Authors: Afolabi Aribigbola

Addresses: Department of Geography and Planning Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract: This paper explores the use of Millennium City Project (MCP) as a poverty reduction tool in developing societies focusing on the Akure millennium city in Nigeria. It discusses implementation of the project, the potential hindrances to its implementation as well as how it can be employed to better reduce poverty level in the city. This paper draws on document analysis, and onsite surveys. It shows that although the MCP was launched as programmed, the effect has not been widespread because the main process and inputs into it are yet to be introduced in the city. This paper also shows that the problems that the programme is intended to solve are still visible and that there is lack of adequate conceptualisation of the project|s implementation, Inadequate funding, |overpolitisation| and the project has not been appropriated by the local people. This paper recommends a number of measures towards achieving MCP|s objectives in the city.

Keywords: Millennium City Project; statewide strategic planning; urban poverty; Millennium Village Project; MDGs; Millennium Development Goals; sustainable city development; Nigeria; sustainability; poverty reduction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2011.037691

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2011 Vol.10 No.1, pp.62 - 77

Published online: 21 Feb 2015 *

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