Sanwo-Olu presents land allocation letters to 98 communities

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented land allocation letters to 98 communities within the Ito-Omu New Town project area, describing the exercise as a major milestone in ensuring inclusive and orderly development in the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony on Wednesday, the governor said the allocation was aimed at recognising the rights of indigenous communities and securing their place in the state’s long-term development agenda.

“Today’s presentation is about recognising established communities and giving them a secure place in the future of our state. As Lagos grows, these communities must be carried along as partners in transformation,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor noted that the affected communities have existed for generations, contributing to the state’s economy through farming, fishing, trading and other legitimate activities.

He recalled that the state government began consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, religious leaders and other stakeholders in 2020 before developing a comprehensive plan for the Ito-Omu New Town project.

According to him, the process involved extensive mapping, stakeholder engagement and careful planning to protect the interests of indigenous residents while laying the foundation for a modern urban development.

“The future of Lagos cannot be built on disorder. It must be built on deliberate planning, appropriate infrastructure, secure communities and opportunities for our people,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the Ito-Omu New Town Development Plan would integrate residential, commercial, industrial and institutional land uses to promote sustainable growth, attract investment and improve the quality of life for residents.

He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda of building a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and globally competitive Lagos.

“Growth is not just about how much we build; it is also about how well we plan and how many people we carry along. That is the real essence of today’s ceremony,” the governor said.

Assuring beneficiaries of continued government support, Sanwo-Olu said the allocation letters represented more than official documents.

“These allocation letters recognise your place in the future we are building together, and I assure you that your communities will not be forgotten as development progresses,” he added.

The governor also pledged that the state government would continue to provide roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure to improve connectivity, attract investment, create jobs and enhance living standards in the area.

He urged beneficiaries to work with relevant government agencies to ensure orderly development and warned against speculative land transactions.

“This exercise is not an opportunity for land speculation. Let us protect these communities and work together to achieve real and sustainable development for the present and future generations,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamar Olowosago, said the presentation fulfilled a promise made by the governor to the affected communities in 2020.

He explained that the exercise followed years of consultations involving the Lands Bureau, the New Towns Development Authority and other government agencies to ensure indigenous communities remained key stakeholders in the project.

Olowosago also disclosed that the governor recently approved the payment of more than N3.1 billion in compensation to persons affected by the Ito-Omu New Town project.

“This milestone demonstrates government’s resolve to ensure that indigenous communities remain important stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of this transformational project. Together, we can build a well-planned and prosperous new town for the present and future generations,” he said.

He described the presentation of the allocation letters as the beginning of the implementation phase of the Ito-Omu New Town project.

NAN