Sanwo-Olu presents land letters to 98 communities

By Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday presented land allocation letters to 98 communities within the Ito-Omu New Town project area.

The governor described the exercise as a major step toward ensuring inclusive and orderly development in the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Sanwo-Olu said the allocation was aimed at recognising the rights of indigenous communities and guaranteeing their place in the state’s long-term development agenda.

He said the affected communities had existed for generations, contributing to the economic and cultural growth of Lagos through farming, fishing, trading and other legitimate activities.

“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,” the governor said.

He recalled that the state government began extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, religious leaders and other residents in 2020 before preparing a comprehensive development plan for the area.

The governor said the process involved detailed mapping, stakeholder engagement and planning to ensure that indigenous interests were protected while laying the foundation for a modern new town.

“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 said the Ito-Omu New Town Development Plan would integrate residential, commercial, industrial and institutional land use to support sustainable growth, attract investment and improve residents’ quality of life.

According to him, 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,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor assured the beneficiaries that the allocation letters were more than official documents, saying they represented government’s recognition of their place in the development of Lagos.

“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 said.

Sanwo-Olu said the state government would continue to open up the area through provision of roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure to improve connectivity, stimulate investment, create jobs and enhance living conditions.

Sanwo-Olu urged the beneficiaries to work closely with relevant government agencies to ensure orderly and sustainable development, warning 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 in the state’s Lands Bureau, Mr Kamar Olowosago, said presentation of the allocation letters was in fulfilment of a promise made by Sanwo-Olu to the affected communities in 2020.

Olowosago said the exercise followed years of consultations and planning that involved the bureau, the New Towns Development Authority and other government agencies to ensure that indigenous communities remained key stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of the Ito-Omu New Town project.

He noted that the governor recently presented more than N3.1 billion as compensation to persons affected by the project, describing the latest exercise as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

“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,” Olowosago said.

The permanent secretary thanked the governor for unwavering support and leadership, saying the presentation marked the beginning of the implementation phase of the project.

NAN