It’s usual is to have family, friends and well wishers over to wine and dine with you on your birthday. But one of the most popular faces of the Nigerian movie industry, known as Nollywood, deviated from the norm on her last birthday. Thirty-year-old Nollywood actress, Iniobong Edo chose to celebrate her birthday in Lagos’ Dustbin Estate slum, bringing media attention to children who are forced to live in a garbage dumping site.

By Mary Atolagbe, Lagos

Ini, as she’s popularly called, is one of four Youth Ambassadors chosen by the UN habitat to propagate urban development projects. As part of her duties she visited the LOTS Foundation at the Dustbin Estate for her birthday.

Dustbin Estate
The name, Dustbin estate probably says it all. Located in Ajegunle, a shanty town, the estate is notorious for its dense population, overcrowded houses and ramshackle buildings. Its streets are full of filth and dirt.
During her visit Ini talked with youth and children. She encouraged the kids and gave out gifts packs of food, t-shirts and toys. Gifts were also handed out to community and opinion leaders of the Dustbin Estate.

Dr. Adeyinka Oyeyinka of UN Habitat says the enormity of the urbanisation issues in Nigeria determined the choice of the Nollywood actress. "The youth envoys were specifically chosen to use their time, goodwill and connections to spread the word about urban issues among the youth. About 34 per cent of Nigeria’s population is between the ages of 10 and 24. And it is one of the fastest urbanising countries in the world. By 2015, Lagos state is predicted to be the third largest mega-city in the world with a population of 25 million people. This shows how important the urban youth will be in social and economic development in Nigeria."

Hopes for the future
Ini explains how she hopes her efforts will contribute to improving socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities providing adequate shelter for all Nigerians. "Youth envoys are people who have a face and a voice," she says."The UN believes we can use our goodwill and status to draw attention to the children living in slums. It is easier to spread the word to those who already know you. In the long run, we will attract the world’s attention to these issues."

According to Ini, she already has a programme mapped. "The programme involves organising a lot of charitable events, but it will not be limited to that. There will also be empowerment and counselling programs for youths, specifically in slum areas, those who probably do not have a place to live and sleep under bridges.’’

With these plans, Dr Oyeyinka says the UN Habitat objectives are close to being realised. "Ms Edo has tremendous appeal because she is a star but she is also a very sympathetic person. It is clear that she recognises the scale of the challenges people face living in slums in Africa, and has a real passion for helping them."