Upgrading the Old Traditional Neighbourhoods in Nigerian Cities: A Case Study of Oke-Itoku Area of Abeokuta

Abstract

The decay of Nigeria traditional neighbourhood is a result of uncontrolled population and physical growth. Coupled with this problem, is the total neglect of renewal and maintenance as at when due which eventually led to unplanned development, inadequate provision of social services, as well as infrastructural facilities and environmental degradation. This paper therefore investigates the old traditional neighbourhoods in Oke-Itoku area of Abeokuta, using a well structured questionnaire administered to the residents of the Neighbourhood with a view to finding out the conditions of buildings in the area and how it could be improved. Data gathered from the field work were statistically analysed using various statistical tools such as frequency tables, Pie charts, Line chart and Bar Chart. Findings from the work show that 58.80% of the buildings in the study area are not in good condition and in as such the need for upgrading is essential. In order to achieve sustainable development, there is the need to make the old traditional neighbourhoods of Nigerian cities functional, livable and of good quality; and every house owner, public agencies, private agencies as well as non-governmental organizations have a role to play in this direction.