Introduction
1.1 Background To The Study
Africa has the highest levels of urbanization but the least urbanized when compared with other regions of the world. In 2009, almost 40% of African population lived in urban areas (UNHABITAT, 2010). By 2050, the Africa’s urban population is estimated to triple to over one billion (UN-HABITAT, 2010). In most countries, a high rate of urbanization combined with consistent economic decline over the last two decades has resulted in a rapid increase in the number of urban poor. In sub-Saharan African countries, it is estimated that more than 40% of urban residents are living in poverty (Aluko and Amidu, 2006). These factors contribute to the increasing informal developments in African cities; Nigeria inclusive.
Currently, about 43% of Nigerians live in urban centres. Modem urbanization in Nigeria has been dominated by the growth of a single primate city, the political and commercial hub of the nation, Lagos. Rural − urban migration from other parts of the country into Lagos has been the major determinant for this high rate of urban population growth resulting in proliferation of slums and squatter settlements, high rate of unemployment, etc. It is estimated that between 20 and 80% of urban growth ‘in developing countries is informal, usually inhabited by the low income people (Aluko and Amidu, 2006).
In view of the above background, this study examines the effects of urban renewal on women’s role in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. In recent times, Lagos state government in south- western Nigeria embarked on urban renewal development programme with the aim of making the state one of the mega cities in the world. The process of urban renewal witnessed the demolition of market stalls, illegal spaces, and structures all around the city. Some group of people selling on the streets, sidewalk had been forcefully evicted from their selling points. Women were mostly affected by the recent demolitions and destructions of market spaces in the city. The study views that those affected are likely to be vulnerable to many challenges as they are confronted with this new development.
Lagos Road construction project − sponsored by the world Bank in conjunction with the Lagos State Government housing projects on the Island, (Lekki and Victoria Island etc.) and vacant lots as the outcome of incomplete projects. Urban renewal’s effect on actual revitalization is a subject of intense debate. It has been seen by proponents as an economic engine and a reform mechanism and by opponents as a regressive mechanism for enriching the wealthy at the expense of tax payers and the poor. It carries a higher cost to existing communities and in many cases resulted in the destruction of vibrant neighborhoods (UN, 2008).
Urban renewal in its original form has been called a failure by many urban planners and civic leaders and has since been reformulated with a focus on redevelopment of existing communities. However, many cities link ~e revitalization of the central business district and gentrification of residential neighborhoods to earlier urban renewal programs. Over time urban renewal evolved into a policy based less on destruction wore on renovation and investment and today is an integral part of many local governments, often combined with small and big business incentives. But even in this adapted form, urban renewal projects are widely accused of abuse and corruption. Lagos State (PDP) People Democratic Party members petitioned the (EFCC) Economic and Financial Crime Commission to probe the Lagos State Government under the leadership of (SAN) Babatunde Raji Fashola for the numerous ongoing construction projects in Lagos State on the grounds of corruption. ( Guardian Newspapers (March 10,2010).
Urban renewal can be traced conceptually back to the earliest days of urban development and often stems from a paternalistic style of governance, albeit one which often uses utilitarian rhetoric. Its potential value as a process was noted by those who witnessed the inhumane and overcrowded conditions of 19th century London, New York, Paris and other major cities of the developed world affected by the industrial revolution. From this a slum reform agenda grew by which advocates and reformers, using a doctrine of environmental determinism, argued that reforming a degraded environment would reform its residents. Such reform could be argued on religious, national security, compassionate, economic and many other grounds. (Guardian Newspapers March 10, 2010).
Meanwhile, the pertinent question now is how has urban renewal affected women roles in Lagos State? Starting from Ajaegbu (2006), the role of a woman in the society, nation and in the family may be explained in different categories depending on the status and circumstances. In the family for example, the natural role of a woman does not only end in the kitchen fetching daily meals for the husband and children but includes procreation − which cannot be avoided either consciously or unconsciously. However in recent time due to proliferation in the practice and acceptance of civilization in our society, the distributions of responsibilities in the family are now shared between married couples. The roles of the man in recent time have been taken over by the woman. The emergences of economic depression and inflationary exigencies have compelled an inevitable change negatively on family role of women, (Nigerian Daily Times, Thursday 21, 2010).
In any society therefore, where these changes have occurred, there is always an attendant effect on the society and its people, This study therefor, investigates the impact of this kind of change urban renewal on the family role of women in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. Nonetheless, the observation of the outgoing reconstruction and construction exercises in Lagos State is a programme; of development which is intended to benefit the residents of Lagos State under a well structure and planned road network, housing, electrification project, pipe borne water, transportation and many more This however requires an investigation as to how these developmental exercise impact on the family especially on the role of a woman.
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