Lagos plans new towns for Ito-Omu, other communities

Encouraged by the potential of Ito-Omu and its adjoining communities in Ibeju and Epe Local Government Area, the Lagos State Government has initiated steps towards developing new towns in the area.

To this end, the State’s New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) with other relevant government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), has held a community stakeholders meeting, in preparation of a Land Use Plan for Ito-Omu and others.

The General Manager NTDA, Olakunle Aboyeji, at the event, noted the important place of Ito-Omu. He stressed that the meeting affords all opportunities to air their opinion in line with the state government’s agenda.

Welcoming participants, Royal Father, Baale’s, Chiefs, Community leaders, and the CDA’s of the entire communities, he said the state has identified the development potential of Ito-Omu and its adjoining areas, the government is also fully ready and very desirous to develop a new town in the area.

According to him, Ito-Omu is located in the North-Eastern part of Lagos State, strategically positioned and controlled by two (2) Local Government Areas – Ibeju Lekki and Epe Local Government Areas.

He said: ” Ito-Omu projects were conceived by the state government as earlier explained to deliberately decongest the metropolis especially in line with the agenda of making Lagos a 21st-century economy and a smart city; as well as to create satellite towns that will facilitate the development of rural areas.

“The Ito-Omu community project when completed would compete favorably with modern cities in the world and also open the state to more investors and investment opportunities, which will in turn address issues of unemployment and all other infrastructural deficit in the state, most especially in the rural communities.”

Aboyeji further said the consultants on this project (Messrs OAE Consultants) are seasoned professionals and they will work hard and to specifications, within the allotted time frame to deliver on this project.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, said the state is ready to bring development to Ito-Omu and its environs to compete with other developed cities in the world.

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for infrastructural projects to be sited in the area, such as roads, drainages, schools, and other social amenities to bring more investment and boost employment.

Permanent Secretary Office of the Surveyor-General, Olutomi Sangowawa advised the Ito-Omu community members to be wary of fake surveyors that dangle juicy carrots before them, saying they should be patient and ensure they get necessary land information from recognised government officials when the need arises.

The Consultant on the projects OEA Consults Limited in its presentation informed stakeholders that it has captured relevant data, which will form part of the consideration for future development projects.

SOURCE: Guardian.ng