The Lagos State Government has unveiled an ambitious initiative to transform the Incidental Open Space (IOS) at Sabo-Ikorodu by Ile Epo Oba into a vibrant, eco-friendly urban hub.
This was announced yesterday, Wednesday, 20th November 2024, during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the newly commissioned Multipurpose Hall in Isiwu, Ikorodu North LCDA. The meeting was organized by the Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA) in collaboration with Ikorodu North LCDA to sensitize stakeholders about the project and engage the community on its development.
Welcoming the attendees, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Builder Adéọlá Adebisi Banjọ, described the IOS as a missed opportunity that has sadly become a hotspot for criminal activities, including gunrunning, drug pushing, and even rape. “The transformation of this IOS is not just about aesthetics; it is about restoring peace, security, and productivity to our community,” he emphasized. Banjọ commended LASPEMA for initiating the project and assured the community that fairness and inclusivity would guide the process. He reiterated that the project aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision for sustainable urban development, which prioritizes environmental transformation and the proper utilization of open spaces for community benefit.
The LASPEMA team, led by its General Manager, Tpl. Daisi Osho, delivered an insightful presentation on the project. Osho shared visuals of the current state of the IOS and plans to transform it into a model of sustainability, livability, and economic vitality. “This initiative is a direct response to the long-standing pressure from the illustrious sons of Ikorodu town to address the challenges in this area,” Osho said.
He outlined measures such as improved lighting, coordinated waste management, enhanced pedestrian and vehicular movement, and the inclusion of essential services like a police post, LASEMA and LASAMBUS units, and a healthcare centre offering primary healthcare and immunization services. These align with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEME+ agenda.
Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, emphasized the importance of positioning Lagos as a global city. “This initiative is a step toward making Lagos comparable to cities like New York and Dubai,” he said, stressing the importance of collaboration between Federal, State, and Local Governments to achieve sustainable urban renewal.
Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to transform Ikorodu into a semi-urban hub that caters to current and future needs.
Former Lagos State Head of Service, Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe, commended the initiative, noting his commitment to Ikorodu’s development. He acknowledged the efforts to address the area’s challenges, stating, “This is the kind of progress we’ve long awaited in Ikorodu.”
Prince Olasunkanmi Tijani, APC Ikorodu LGA Chairman and former Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, described the project as a critical step in enhancing Ikorodu North’s image as the “Ojubode” (gateway) of the LCDA. He expressed confidence that it would reduce social vices in the area.
The officer in charge of the anti-kidnapping and anti-cultism unit, CSP Geoffrey, praised the initiative for its potential to bolster security. He highlighted his team’s achievements in curbing criminal activities in collaboration with the LCDA and urged residents to support law enforcement efforts.
Concerns were raised by some stakeholders regarding the fate of current occupiers of the space whose livelihoods might be affected. Tpl. Osho assured them that inclusivity was central to the project, revealing that records of occupiers had already been collated. Measures are in place to ensure no one is disenfranchised, and market operators will benefit from the transformation. This announcement was met with applause, with Hon. Niran Adeyemi, councillor representing Agbala Ward, expressing relief. “Hearing the General Manager’s assurance has allayed my fears. This project is truly for the people,” he said.
Stakeholders from various groups, including transport unions, market associations, youth organizations, CDC leaders, traditional chiefs, and occupiers of the IOS, attended the meeting. The deliberations underscored a collective resolve to embrace the transformation project as a game-changer for Sabo-Ikorodu.
In his closing remarks, Builder Adéọlá Banjọ thanked LASPEMA and the Lagos State Government for their leadership on the project. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, emphasizing that the transformation would bring long-term benefits to Ikorodu North LCDA. “Together, we can turn this space into a beacon of progress,” Banjọ concluded.
The meeting ended with optimism and a renewed commitment to making the IOS transformation a reality, positioning Ikorodu North LCDA as a model for sustainable urban renewal in Lagos State.
