Currently, Nigeria faces some serious environmental, social, and economic problems, which have made the need for developing sustainable communities an important topic. This may be due to the increase in urbanization and demand for scarce resources.
Experience has shown that there are many possibilities with events. This stems from the fact that event management is a discipline that can impact positively on the economic, environmental, and social capital of a particular geographical space, thus its role as a great tool for creating sustainable communities in Nigeria.
Events act as vibrant platforms for the sharing of knowledge, education, and collective action. They have the power to alter opinions and behaviours, stimulate innovation, and catalyze movements with favourable social, economic, and environmental effects.
This article will examine how effective events can act as catalysts for promoting lasting change in Nigerian communities by raising and promoting environmental preservation and creating economic opportunities through event-related activities. Any type of event organised by the Nigerian event planner can actually be used to drive home the goal of a sustainable community
Table of Contents
We will begin by explaining what a sustainable community entails.
What is a sustainable community?
A community that has been created or adjusted to support sustainable living is a sustainable community. The Institute of Sustainable Communities (ISC) explains further that a sustainable community is a place where people from many walks of life feel comfortable and at home, where all groups are represented at the decision-making table, and where prosperity is shared. Although this endeavour can be a long-term initiative, events are potent enough tools to initiate a good beginning. “The journey of a million miles begins with a step”
Creating economic empowerment for local businesses for sustainable communities in Nigeria
To use events as a tool for economic empowerment is to showcase local talent and entrepreneurial skills through the instrumentality of deliberate events. To make this happen, event professionals in Nigeria can in a consistent manner adjust their event objectives by organizing events that will encourage and promote the significant participation of small businesses to get them exposed, create growth opportunities for them and also offer networking possibilities. This is because small businesses are the driving force behind community growth and economic empowerment.
In more practical terms, Nigerian event planners can provide reasonably priced exhibition spaces or booths, promoting local enterprises and providing resources for marketing and engagement.
In addition, offering a special platform for craftsmen and/or artisans and specific business owners can also boost the economic sustainability levels of the community; essentially, it provides these talented people with an invaluable platform to display their original works and innovative ideas. In all, this not only stimulates economic growth but also encourages a creative and entrepreneurial spirit within the community while also providing a source of job creation and generating revenues.
Increasing community participation and social inclusivity in sustainable communities
Another way of creating a sustainable community through the use of effective events is to enable increased community participation and social inclusivity in all Nigerian events.
Following this, event planners in Nigeria must seriously consider the multicultural differences and the ways of life of the people in the community. This will help the planner design events that will cater to the various interests represented in the community.
Moreover, the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs has described social inclusivity as the process through which efforts are made to offer equal chances in a community so that everyone, regardless of background, can realize their full potential in life. All these efforts are to ensure that community bonds are strengthened as well as encourage cordiality and networking amongst active channels such as schools, NGOs, civic groups, or community-based organisations
Promoting environmental awareness and preservation for sustainable communities
Traditionally, events are a good platform for promoting awareness among an audience as regards some kinds of products, goods, and services. It is equally a good channel for the promotion of environmental awareness and conservation. Members of the community obtain very useful knowledge of current environmental challenges and sustainable activities through educational workshops, seminars, and other campaign methods.
This method also helps to create a sense of responsibility for community members by disabusing their minds from thinking that it’s all on the government or local authorities. Also, showcasing eco-friendly products and programs at events can be a potent motivator for sustainable behaviour, exposing waste reduction techniques, ecological and renewable energy solutions and informing visitors about workable substitutes
Strategic partnerships and collaborations
Nigerian event professionals must strategically and consistently foster collaborations and partnerships with organizations and relevant bodies that have the necessary information, authority, and mandate to drive community sustainability efforts both at local and international levels.
However, in conclusion, Nigerian event planners should put sustainability first and set an example in venue selection and trash management at their events. We can organize events that not only have a positive effect but also serve to inspire a sustainable culture in Nigeria and beyond through education and collaboration.
