The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the residents of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki concerning the current land acquisitions for various development initiatives, emphasizing that these efforts are aimed at benefiting the communities involved.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting focused on the Epe Mixed Development Scheme and Labour City, Kamar Olowoshago, the Permanent Secretary of the State Land Bureau, addressed local apprehensions. He assured attendees that the state’s initiatives would yield substantial advantages for the residents and contribute to the enhancement of their communities.
The meeting, facilitated by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) in Epe, saw participation from a variety of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community representatives, government officials, and members of the legislature.
In his introductory remarks, Olakunle Aboyeji, General Manager of NTDA, highlighted the significance of collaboration among stakeholders for the success of the projects. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to update the public and seek support for the development schemes, which aim to address illegal constructions, prevent land encroachment, and enhance local infrastructure.
During the discussions, the two lawmakers representing Epe in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tobun Abiodun and Sylvester Ogunkelu, raised concerns regarding the land acquisition process. They questioned whether the compensation for landowners was fair and expressed their disapproval of transferring community land to private developers without the consent of local residents. A former lawmaker Segun Olulade also voiced his worries about the procedures surrounding land acquisitions, calling on the government to ensure the process is managed appropriately. Other participants highlighted issues such as environmental degradation, traffic issues, and the absence of essential public services.
In response to these concerns, Olowoshago assured the community that many issues had already been addressed by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He emphasized that no land would be taken without adequate compensation and encouraged community members to support the project and take an active role in it.
Olowoshago also requested patience as the government worked to ensure that the benefits of the development projects would be realized by the local communities.
