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Tag: Lagos State government

  • Lagos flags off Oshodi-Int’l Airport road

    Lagos flags off Oshodi-Int’l Airport road

    The Lagos State Government on Monday flagged off the reconstruction of the Oshodi-International Airport Road, with a pledge to complete the project within the next fifteen months.

    The State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode had last month at the quarterly Town Hall Meeting held in Badore area of Ajah, announced that the reconstruction of the road, which is a major gateway to the country, would commence in September, and that the construction would facilitate the transformation of the road to a world class standard.

    Specifically, the design of the project include the reconstruction and expansion of the existing carriage to three-lane Expressway on both directions, construction of two-lane Service Road in both directions, construction of Ramp Bridge to provide a U-turn from Ajao Estate to Airport, construction of a flyover at NAHCO/Toll Gate and drainage works.

    Others include the removal of existing Pedestrian Bridge at Ajao Estate and construction of Pedestrian Bridges at Ajao Estate and NAHCO/Hajj Camp, construction of Slip Road to provide access to Ajao Estate, construction of Lay-bys and installation of Street Lights, among others.

    Speaking while flagging off the project, the State’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr Adebowale Akinsanya said the commencement of the project was in line with the commitment of the present administration to transform the entire axis, being the major gateway to the country’s commercial nerve centre.

    He said the State Government took it upon itself to undertake the reconstruction of the road being one of the busiest roads in the State with vehicular volumes averaging 50,000 vehicles daily, and that its poor state was not acceptable for the status of the State as the fifth largest economy in Africa and the nation’s commercial hub.

    He said some of the fences along the corridor have been identified to be within the right of way, but that government would minimize the impact of the project on property owners.

    He said in order to properly carry along people of the area, a stakeholders’ meeting will hold on Thursday to sensitize the people whereby they will have an opportunity to ask the necessary questions.

    He said to fast-track the project, three group of workers will work on the project and they would work day and night, while upon completion, the project will be linked to the Oworonshoki reclamation project, which is also ongoing and is aimed at transforming the corridor to a major entertainment and tourism hub.

    The Commissioner, however, urged residents and motorists to cooperate with government while the construction will last, saying that the intention was to transform the area.

    “There will be some minor inconveniences but we are going to try to mitigate the impact. The work will be accelerated. The project is to make life easier for everybody. We just want to appeal to people to cooperate with us. We will be here to talk to the people in case of any issue and we are also working with our partner, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),” the Commissioner said.

    Also speaking, Managing Director of Planet Projects, the firm that designed the project, Mr. Biodun Otunola said prior to the commencement of the construction, adequate feasibility studies were carried out, and that the project, upon completion, would facilitate total transformation of Oshodi and International Airport corridor.

    He said in as much as there would not be alternative roads created specifically for the project, adequate measures have been put in place to educate the public on the staging that would be developed, saying that the project would be executed in phases, while motorists will make use of other sections of the road during construction work on a particular section.

    Otunola, whose company is also handling the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, said by the time the road project and the interchange are completed, the whole axis would have been transformed to world class standard.

    “The desire of the State Government under Governor Ambode is to ensure that this whole corridor is turned into an international corridor so that investors and the people can be proud that we have an international gateway that we all can be proud of.

    “We are not just building roads, we are thinking of the transportation implication and so there is a bus reform project that is ongoing and every part of Lagos will be connected by bus and that is why this road project will be linked to the Oshodi interchange. So, there will be about 20 lay-bys, bus terminals and so on which are all flowing from the same Master plan for this area,” he said.

  • Eid-El-Kabir:  70 trailer load of Lake Rice arrive Lagos

    Eid-El-Kabir:  70 trailer load of Lake Rice arrive Lagos

    In an effort to ensure even distribution across all the sale centres, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday said that at least 70 trailer load of the LAKE RICE have arrived the State ahead of the commencement of the sale on Thursday.

    The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau who spoke to journalists, said that the Government has made adequate arrangement to ensure that Lagosians willing to purchase LAKE RICE can do so without much hassles.

    “This present administration has made the necessary logistics in place. Trailers are coming into the State with the rice. As we speak, there are over 30 trailer loads in Lagos, by Friday it would be about 40, by next week it would be up to 70 trucks and even after the Sallah period, there would be more coming into the State,” the Commissioner said.

    According to him, the Rice would be on sale across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas, saying that the decision was to ensure that residents can get it without travelling far distance.

    He said the rice would also be available at LTV Blue Roof Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja, while the prices still remain the same as N12, 000 for 50kg bag, N6,000 for 25kg and N2,500 for 10kg.

    “There is going to be even distribution of the LAKE RICE and that’s why we are using all the Local governments and the Local Council Development Areas.

    “This will ensure wide distribution of the product to as many people who want it. we have made arrangement for the rice to continue to come into the State, so there is no need for panic buy or any form of rush, just go to your local government or local council development area you will get it to buy,” Suarau said.

    Suarau who affirmed that the sale of the LAKE RICE would commence on Thursday, said the State’s Agricultural Development Authority Complex in Oko-Oba, Agege would flag off the sales while other Local Governments centres would follow suit.

    “The Local Government and Local Council Development Areas are the grassroots. Our target is the residents at the grassroots. I may be able to afford rice for N18, 000 or N20, 000 but some people may not be able to do so. Last Christmas, if not for the Lake Rice, some people would not have eaten rice and you know rice is the main food for Christmas,” he said.

    The Commissioner also expressed optimism that with the up-scaling of the Imota Rice Milling Plant from 2.5 metric tons to 16 metric tons per hour, expected to be up and running by next year, the production of LAKE RICE would be done in the State to ensure availability of the product all year round.

  • World Photography Day: Studio 24 to train 100 girls in cinematography

    World Photography Day: Studio 24 to train 100 girls in cinematography

    Mr Ifeanyi Oputa, the Chief Executive Officer of Colvi Limited, (popularly known as Studio 24), on Saturday, flagged training for 100 girls in photography

    Oputa said the programme tagged “Somethin4DGirls”, holding at Studio 24, Ikeja, Lagos, was part of his company’s activities to commemorate the 2017 World Photography Day.

    He said the company would train the girls in photography, video recording, photo retouching/editing, makeup, marketing and leadership skills.

    NAN reports that Aug. 19, every year is observed as the World Photography Day, with the aim of inspiring photographers across the World to share a single photo with a simple purpose; to enable them to share their World with the World.

    He said that the company in partnership with Lagos State Government and the UK Photographic Society embarked on the project to rescue young girls, who are fending for themselves and left to look up to people with shady character as role models.

    “The society over time has presented gangsters and criminals as role models for the youth.

    “People look down on vocational skills but we need to correct this impression and restore the dignity of such skills to encourage youth empowerment.

    “When youths are empowered they stay off the streets and make reasonable income to sustain themselves.”

    Oputa also called on professional photographers to improve their skills, to enable them to get a better income.

    “Professional photographers must improve their skills through regular training, they should also ensure they acquire knowledge of the use of modern technology in the industry.”

    He also encouraged trained photographers to acquire skills that would enable them archive photographs of individuals, society or the nation for posterity.

    He added that with such improved skills, they would be able to compete favourably with their contemporaries from across the World through exhibitions or presentation of their works at seminars and conferences.

    “Our interest at Studio 24 is to leave no one behind. There are several who were left behind because they did not see the need for them to improve on their old skills by acquiring new ones.

    “Some photographers fell out of business because they could not cope with the unfolding developments introduced to the industry by

    “Some are not smart with moving with the trend, they are slow to learn and grasp new trends, they hold on to their analogue cameras instead of embracing the prospects brought about by the digital age,” he said.

    Oputa said that a modern day photographer should be able to handle still cameras, digital cameras and video cameras simultaneously.

    He said that professional photographers should realise that the world was in the era of multitasking and encouraged them to learn the new trends in the industry.

    He, however, said that 25 of the girls, who performed excellently during the training would be given automatic employment by Studio 24.

    Also speaking, the project director, Mowumi Obidiran, said that the organisation carefully selected the 100 girls to encourage women, who were in need.

    She said that it was also aimed at improving the level of expertise of women in cinematography and come up with quality talents that would drive the future of the industry.

    “We are giving back to the society, making sure that the good capacity out there is used in diverse ways, training multi-skilled girls, who will not just fend for themselves but also for the society.’’

    Obidiran urged the girls to be focused and determined to add value to the industry and by being economically independent.

    “I enjoin all the successful girls to see themselves lucky to be part of this maiden project, you must be focused and have an interest in the job and not what you can get,” she said.

    Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi, an Ambassador of the project, while commending Studio 24, encouraged the girls to capitalise on the opportunity to improve their lives.

    “Women are the future of a good society, we must be up to the task of building a standard society for a better tomorrow, instead of being a burden,” she said.

    Reacting to the selection, 29-year-old unemployed graduate, Abdul Tracy, commended studio 24 for offering double skills to girls in need.

    “No one person or group can offer double skills at the same time, I have been unemployed after my graduation, but this is more than an employment,” she told NAN.

    A graduate of Urban and Regional planning, Omowumi Ogunyimika, said she applied because she had an interest in creativity.

    According to 32year-old Chioma Okere, who is a home-service hair stylist, she wants to acquire the skills of photography because she has a passion for creativity and image making.

    NAN reports that some of the organisations that would partner with Studio 24 for the training include, Canon Camera Company, DNP, manufacturers of printers; Tara Makeup and Royal Photographic Society of UK.

  • Lagos to transform Oworonshoki to transport, entertainment hub

    Lagos to transform Oworonshoki to transport, entertainment hub

    The Lagos State Government on Monday outlined plans to transform the blighted areas of Oworonshoki Waterfront into one of the biggest transportation, tourism and entertainment hubs in Nigeria.

    Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya in a statement, said that the project will improve the aesthetics and security of the environment, while attracting investments in water transportation and boosting socio-economic activities in the axis, with the provision of shopping malls and related infrastructures.

    According to the Commissioner, the proposed entertainment and mega ferry terminal site, already under reclamation, woulddivert a lot of human and vehicular traffic gridlocks away from the Lagos Island and take advantage of the central location and accessibility of the proposed Oworonshoki terminal to the Apapa Port, Ikeja Airport and other parts of the State.

    “Youths and residents will enjoy quality sports, recreational, entertainment and emergency response facilities at the terminal.

    “Commuters transiting through the terminal will not only enjoy state-of the arts infrastructure, they will also be able to park and ride and park and cruise from the state-of-the-art jetty, thus reducing the carbon emission level and travel time within the city,” Akinsanya said.

    He expressed optimism that the reclaimed 29.6 hectares site of the project, which would involve revetment work to protect the jetty area, would also eliminate illegal dredging activities in the area.

    Explaining that the project will be in three phases, Akinsanya said that it was also part of efforts by the State Government to revitalise and augment inter-modal system of water, rail and road transportation and housing development, just as he revealed that the Epe, Badagry and Mile 2 waterfronts have also been earmarked in the Master Plan for similar regeneration.

    He said that Phase One, which is the ongoing reclamation of the 29.5 hectares of the project site by Messrs Fountain Construction Company (FCC), would be completed by November 2017.

    The Commissioner further said, “Consolidation and settlement of the reclaimed land for six to nine months, will be followed by Phase Two, which will involve provision of shoreline protection and reconstruction of 2.8km Ariyo Street as an alternative road, that will run under the 3rd Mainland Bridge along with other infrastructures within nine months and to be completed by June 2018”.

    “The third Phase which will be both State financed and Public-Private Sector (PPP) financed, will involve the construction of the Mega Jetty and Bus Terminal, complete with entertainment and Tourism facilities (Multiple Boutique, Hotels, Museums/Art Galleries, Sport and recreational facilities as well as a 1000 capacity car park, based on the design master plan of the area.”

    Akinsanya said that on completion, Lagosians would be able to embark on travel from Oworonshoki either via water using the Jetty Terminal or via Ultra-Modern Buses departing from the New Bus Terminal.

  • Lagos warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Lagos warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to residents dumping refuse indiscriminately on the streets and dredgers sand filling wetlands to desist from such unwholesome practice or face the wrath of the law.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare who stated this on Friday in Lagos whilst fielding questions on a television programme said the PSP operators could not cope with the quantum of waste being generated in the state estimated to be 13,000 metric tons per day.

    He said the PSP operators erroneously believed that they were being put out of business and assured them that they were still an integral part of the loop as attested to by the on-going re-certification exercise of the operators.

    He disclosed that the Lagos State Government was tackling the knotty waste problems in the state in a comprehensive manner with the assistance of about 12 consortiums including Visionscape, a globally acclaimed environmental utility group that would confront the issue with technology, better funding and germane solutions under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative which will become fully operational in September.

    He said that what was currently being experienced was just the transitory period aggravated by acts of saboteurs and dredgers involving only transportation of waste, adding that under CLI refuse will be a resource to the government.

    His words: “Under the CLI, waste would first be collected from all the 377 wards in the state before being transported to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where they would be sorted out into nylons, papers, bottles and organic wastes for recycling. About 27, 500 workers would be employed and they would earn slightly more than the minimum wage, enjoy medical and life insurance as well as injury cover. They will not spend money on transportation as they would be recruited from their neighbourhood”.

    The Commissioner assured residents and indigenes of the state that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode would deliver on all his promises, adding that Lagos State would be the first state in the country to surmount the problem of waste disposal.

     

  • Lagos arraigns hotel owner, workers for aiding homosexuality

    Lagos arraigns hotel owner, workers for aiding homosexuality

    …As court remands suspects in prison pending legal advice

     

    The Lagos State Government on Friday arraigned the owner of Vintage Hotel in Owode Onirin area of Ikorodu, Chief Patrick Okeze before a Yaba Magistrate Court for allegedly aiding and promoting same sex sexual activities and gay club in his hotel.

    Okeze was arraigned alongside two of his workers, Sunday Isang and Bright Oba for allegedly encouraging the illegal act to be perpetrated by young men and minors in the hotel contrary to the provisions of Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014.

    The State Government had on Thursday arraigned 28 adults and 12 minors before Yaba and Ebute-Metta Magistrate Courts respectively for engaging in homosexuality using the said hotel.

    Specifically, Okeze and his workers were said to have aided 40 people and others still at large, to engage in same sex activities as well as gay club/party in the said Vintage Hotel located at No 999, Ikorodu Road/Toyin Close, Weigh Bridge, Owode Onirin, Lagos contrary to and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014.

    After the one-count criminal charge against Okeze (56), Isang (30) and Oba (28) was called and read before Chief Magistrate Adewale Ojo, the defendants were not allowed to take their plea on the account of the fact that the court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the subject matter of the case.

    The prosecution team including Ms Adetutu Oshinusi, Bosun Aroyehun, Folabi Sholebo, Olaitan Shoetan and Nnena Okereka, all from the State’s Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), urged the court to remand the defendants in prison pending the outcome of the legal advice of the DPP.

    But the defence team led by Mr Alli Abba urged the court to discountenance the application of the prosecution, and admit the defendants to bail, as the offence under which they were charged, is bailable.

    He referred to the arraignment of the principal suspects in the case who were granted bail by the same court on Thursday, assuring that his clients would not abscond if admitted to bail.

    But in response, Police’s counsel, Mr Effiong Asuquo said the application for the defendants to be remanded in prison pending legal advice was based on the need to prevent the defendants from going back to run the hotel if granted bail.

    He said the subject matter of the case being about Same Sex Marriage Act could only be tried at the High Court, and that the application was needed to keep them in custody pending legal advice.

    In his ruling, Magistrate Ojo held that in view of the provisions of Section 264 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, he found merit in the application for the defendants to be remanded pending the DPP advice.

    The court said having examined the affidavit in support of the application for remand, he found “sufficient merit” in it, and ruled that: “It is hereby ordered that the 1st, 2nd and 3rddefendants be remanded in prison custody pending their legal advice.”

    The Magistrate also adjourned the matter to September 4, 2017.

    Magistrate Ojo had, after the arraignment of the 28 adults on Thursday, ordered them to undergo health screening by the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA) and sexual rehabilitation by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).

    Responding to the arraignment, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem said the development was an eloquent testimony to the commitment of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to fight all forms of crime and criminality.

    “The arraignment is a confirmation of the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensure that every resident abides by the law of the State and also to put a stop to the exploitation of under-aged children who are often lured by unscrupulous and criminally-minded adults to engage in acts or behaviours that are not in consonance with the laws of the State,” Kazeem said.

    He also reiterated the commitment of the State Government to do everything humanly possible to uphold the Child Rights Protection Laws of the State.

    To ensure proper rehabilitation of the suspects in line with their bail condition, DSVRT Alternate Chair, Mrs Clara Ibirogba, who was at the arraignment, pledged to work with other relevant agencies of the State Government to ensure that the best care is provided for the suspects.

    On his part, Dr Michael Essien of LSACA also promised that the minors would be given proper counselling and necessary medical screening to determine the State of their well-being.

     

  • Lagos lights up dark spots to tackle insecurity

    Lagos lights up dark spots to tackle insecurity

    In a renewed effort to improve security, the Lagos State Government has stepped up its Public Street Light Project to illuminate the nook and crannies as well as identified notorious dark spots within the metropolis.
     
    Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo who spoke at a meeting with stakeholders in his office at Alausa Monday, explained that the project was with a view to scuttle the activities of hoodlums and miscreants who are fond of using dark and lonely spots to perpetrate vices and unwholesome practices at night.
     
    He said the street light exercise has not only become most visible to the citizenry, but has also become accepted and applauded by all and sundry, given its positive contributions to businesses as well as employment generation in the state.
     
    According to the Commissioner, many communities which hitherto had been without functioning electricity have been successfully connected, adding that major and inner roads, pedestrians walkways and under bridges in various parts of Lagos have been lit within the last 12 months.
     
    Speaking further, Oluwo said the state government adopted the management of all street lights within Lagos irrespective of legacy ownership through his Ministry, mainly to ensure uniformity of standard, excellent service delivery, holistic and sustainable approach to monitoring and maintaining of installations.
     
    He said that some of the street lights have been connected to the Independent Power Plants at Alausa, Mainland and Lekki to save cost.
     
    While expressing government’s desire to establish a formidable Ceramic Processing Centre in the state through preliminary studies for ceramic skill acquisition, the Commissioner said the state government through Ibile Oil and Gas will continue to leverage on the commencement of production of crude oil from the Aje oil field in Badagry and other prospective oil fields towards creating jobs and enhancing revenue generation in the State.
  • Security: Lagos tasks traditional rulers to live above board

    Security: Lagos tasks traditional rulers to live above board

    Lagos State Government has asked Obas, Baales and Chiefs across the State to continue to live above board in the maintenance of peace and security within their respective domains by exhibiting exemplary conduct.

    Addressing all the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs at an interactive session on security issues in Lagos State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami stated that the recent development in the State where a traditional ruler was apprehended for conniving with kidnappers to cause unrest was totally unacceptable.

    He noted that as the custodians of traditions, culture and values, the government expect traditional rulers to display a high level of decorum.

    In response, the Oba of Lagos and Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Riliwanu Aremu Akiolu I, on behalf of the Obas and other Traditional Rulers pledged the unalloyed loyalty of the traditional rulers to the administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in maintaining peace across the length and breadth of the State.

    Citing the instance of the arranged kidnap by the Baale Shangisha, Akiolu said that all residents of the State are better aware that there is no hiding place for any criminally-minded individual regardless of how highly-placed the person might be.

    He urged residents of the State to be more vigilant about happenings within their neighbourhood, stressing that the identity of all evil-minded persons terrorizing the peace of the State will continue to be exposed.

    “As I always say, there exist the likes of the Baale of Shangisha among our traditional rulers and it is my prayer that God will continue to expose such individuals. The act of evil connivance is ungodly; all fraudulent practices in the sales of land, landed properties and the like in any Lagos community will in no distant time meet their waterloo”, Akiolu stated.

    The traditional ruler maintained that the task of policing, information gathering should henceforth be seen as a collective responsibility because the police are not magicians and they depend on the intelligence of all residents.

    He, however, commended the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his unwavering investment in the police and other security outfits in the State, stressing that the investment has greatly added to the relative peace being enjoyed across the State.

    He pleaded with Lagosians to always allow security officers perform their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding and maintaining law and order most especially as the Local Government election will be holding on Saturday.

    Also speaking at the event, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi said the secret of evil-master minders who have been fomenting trouble in the ancient town of Ikorodu are now being exposed as a result of the concerted efforts of all security agencies with the assistance of the traditional rulers.

    He categorically stated that intelligence gathering so far did not indict any indigene of Ikorodu as a perpetrator of the insecurity around the town.

    Oba Shotobi disclosed that he is always mindful of the fact that any dent on Ikorodu town affects his personality, the whole council of Obas and Chiefs and ultimately portends great setback for the State government, hence the need for him to be seen doing the needful in restoring security confidence to the town.

    The Akran of Badagry, De Aholu Menu-Toyi I, urged the electorate to desist from violent acts ahead of the local government chairmanship elections, warning that the police are fully prepared for the election and would not hesitate to arrest anyone seen to disrupt peaceful conduct of the polls.

     

  • Lagos Partners Ford Foundation on transformation of Onikan

    Lagos Partners Ford Foundation on transformation of Onikan

    …Initiative to Engender Regeneration of Lagos Island

     

    The Lagos State Government has sealed a major partnership with world’s second largest private foundation, Ford Foundation on the total regeneration of Lagos Island and transformation of Onikan axis to a major tourism hub in Africa.

    Briefing Government House Correspondents after a strategic meeting held at Lagos House in Ikeja with an high-powered delegation from Ford Foundation led by its President, Mr Darren Walker, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said the State Government was delighted to partner with the foundation on issues of mutual interest, saying that the initiative would go a long way in activating the tourism potentials of the State.

    The Governor said already the State Government was putting finishing touches to the plan to construct a new Museum in Onikan, while the new Lagos History Centre coming on board in the axis and the Presidential Lodge would be transformed to what would be known as Eko Park.

    Going into details, Governor Ambode said: “We just received the President of Ford Foundation, Mr Darren Walker and his team and we are excited that they are willing to partner with us. We have always spoken about the regeneration of the Lagos Island axis. You are also aware that Lagos is planning to build a new Museum in Onikan and also to be able to use the Lagos History Centre and the Presidential Lodge where we want to turn into what we call Eko Park.

    “Ford Foundation is the second largest private foundation that we have in the world. They are very credible and we believe strongly that they are lover of arts and having the foundation partner with us in the regeneration of the Lagos Island axis which we want to use to promote arts and tourism, is something that is very good for Lagos and I am excited to receive them.”

    Also speaking, Walker said the foundation warmly welcomes the partnership with the State Government, and that the team was optimistic about a great future in the State.

    He also eulogized the leadership qualities of Governor Ambode, saying that the vision of the Governor for the State was inspiring.

    “I have admired Governor Ambode from afar for some time and then inspired by his leadership and his vision along with my colleagues, we sought an audience today with him and it was an opportunity for us to learn about his vision for Lagos State and we leave this meeting inspired, motivated and very hopeful about the future here,” Walker said.

     

     

  • Lagos denies approving construction of ICT mall in Ikeja

    Lagos denies approving construction of ICT mall in Ikeja

    Lagos State Government on Tuesday denied involvement with an infrastructural firm, Master Realty International Concept Ltd, allegedly reported to be parading itself as having approval to construct an ICT specialized mall directly beside the newly built Ikeja Bus Terminal.

    The State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl Wasiu Anifowoshe in a statement said the State Government has not given Planning Permit for such development.

    Anifowoshe said “This information is false, Lagos State Government did not issue any permit to him because his plans are not in sync with the State Government’s regeneration plan so it is not possible for him to obtain approval from the appropriate authorities.”

    He restated the State Government’s commitment to actualise the relocation of Computer Village from Ikeja to Katangowa, just as he assured on the continuous implementation of the provisions in the Ikeja Model City Plan, which designated Computer Village for residential use.

    According to him, the purpose was to achieve urban regeneration and increase housing stock, revealing that the take-off of the Katangowa project was at its final stage and Government was working tirelessly towards ensuring that the project is concluded as scheduled.

    “Therefore, Government will not take it lightly with anyone caught attempting to disrupt the relocation plans of moving Computer Village from Ikeja to Katangowa. The Lagos State Government met with the Executive Members of Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN) of Computer Village and assured them that Government is committed to its relocation plans.

    “In order to demonstrate this, all the banners displayed which are in contravention were marked, since it does not have Planning Permit to confer on it as a construction site. We have removed the illegal fence constructed without fencing permit and sealed the site to prevent illegal development,” the Commissioner said.

    He added that the State Government has also deployed officers of the Ministry to monitor any illegal development in that area, however enjoining Lagosians to alert the government if they notice such development, so that they don’t fall prey to fraudsters.

    Anifowoshe also implored Lagosians, particularly those intending to rent, lease or buy property to always ask for necessary Planning Permits and Approvals before transacting business with any developer.