By LYDIA CHIGOZIE-NGWAKWE

The Lagos State Ministry of Housing on Saturday held a meeting with residents of the state government-owned housing estates in Ikorodu with the aim of addressing their challenges and improving living conditions.

The stakeholders’ forum took place at Oba Adeboruwa Housing Estate.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Abdulhafis Toriola, said the engagement was organised to gather feedback from the residents and find solutions to challenges in the various estates.

Toriola said that challenges were expected in any active environment but gave the assurance that the government was committed to addressing them.

“We are here to get information from the residents of the housing estates so we can take decisions on how to tackle their challenges.

“The stakeholders’ meeting is designed to help us to interact with the residents and find practical solutions.

“We must appreciate the governor for supporting the ministry in addressing some of the issues raised in the past,” he said.

He added that the engagement would be held on a monthly basis.

“Beyond general meetings, we also visit specific estates whenever issues arise.

“We engage allottees and residents directly, and this has helped us to resolve many problems,” he added.

Toriola urged the residents to comply with rules and regulations guiding government estates, saying that laws at both national and state levels must be respected.

Mrs Olukemi Fosudo, Director, Estate Department, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, said that stakeholders’ meetings were regularly organised to interact with residents of Lagos State Government housing estates to proffer solutions to challenges.

She said that Saturday’s meeting covered six Lagos State Government housing estates within Ikorodu.

She listed them as Oba Adeboruwa Housing Estate, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate, Babatunde Olushola Benson Housing Estate (Ibeshe), Millennium Housing Estate (Oke Eletu), Jubilee Housing Estate (Ayangburen Ikorodu), and Millennium Housing Estate (Ibeshe).

She said that the meetings would continue as part of efforts to sustain the housing estates.

The Chairman of the Community Development Association of the Oba Adeboruwa Housing Estate, Mr Hammed Bolaji, described the initiative as commendable.

Bolaji said that the residents were pleased that their estate was selected to host the meeting.

“It is a good initiative, and we appreciate the government for choosing our estate. This kind of engagement allows us to express our concerns.

“We have seen improvements, including the fixing of the main entrance gate and repainting of buildings. We thank the permanent secretary for his efforts,” he said.

He, however, appealed for more support, noting that proposals had been submitted for additional facilities, including healthcare facilities, recreational spaces and event centres.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the forum, the residents raised concerns about poor drainage systems, and Toriola assured them that it would be addressed promptly.

Officials from relevant agencies delivered goodwill messages at the event.

Representatives of Lagos State Waste Management Authority advised the residents against burning waste, while fire service officers sensitised them about fire safety.

Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control urged parents to monitor their wards to prevent drug abuse, while LASACO Assurance Plc educated the residents on the importance of insuring their property. (NAN)

Update news