The Lagos State Government has presented land allocation letters to 98 villages in Ito-Omu, Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki, reaffirming its commitment to planned urban development and orderly expansion across the rapidly growing Lekki corridor.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the allocation letters to leaders of the beneficiary communities during a ceremony at the Ito-Omu Link Bridge, Sangotedo.

The allocation followed the government’s acquisition of about 16,300 hectares of land in Ito-Omu and adjoining communities through the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) for the implementation of housing and other developmental projects.

Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was designed to ensure that the growth of Ito-Omu and neighbouring communities is driven by proper planning rather than uncontrolled expansion.

According to him, the state is building communities where residents can live, work and conduct business in an environment supported by adequate infrastructure.

“The future of Lagos cannot be built on unplanned expansion. It must be built on deliberate planning, appropriate infrastructure, secure communities and opportunities for our people to prosper,” the governor said.

He noted that the development plan for Ito-Omu and adjoining communities provides a framework for integrating residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and recreational land uses to promote investment and improve residents’ quality of life.

Sanwo-Olu said the initiative aligns with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, which seeks to build a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and globally competitive Lagos.

He assured beneficiaries that the government would continue to provide infrastructure, strengthen security of land tenure and create new economic opportunities while preserving the heritage of the affected communities.

The governor urged community leaders and residents to collaborate with relevant government agencies to ensure orderly and sustainable development.

He also commended the Lands Bureau, the New Towns Development Authority, the Office of the State Surveyor-General, consultants and other stakeholders for their commitment to the project.

Sanwo-Olu said the presentation of the allocation letters marked the beginning of another phase of development, promising improved road networks, drainage systems, social infrastructure and the planned Ito-Omu Waterfront Jetty to boost connectivity and economic activities.

“We will continue to work towards opening up these communities with better road access, improved drainage and social infrastructure, while the planned Ito-Omu Waterfront Jetty will strengthen connectivity and ease movement for our people,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Kamar Olowosago, commended the affected communities for releasing their lands for development, noting that the project would enhance socio-economic activities in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the 98 beneficiary communities, the Onibeju of Ibeju-Lekki, Oba Razak Olasunkanmi, appealed to the government to ensure the proposed new town accommodates both residential and commercial developments.

He also called for the establishment of a technical college in the Ibeju-Lekki axis to provide vocational education for youths in the area.

Among the beneficiary communities are Orofun, Agadangba, Oko-Keji, Okun-Abe, Abegede, Idi-Ori, Anikansogbo, Anwoye Oke, Anwoye Ebute, Ladaba Ebute, Idi Afon, Oguntedo, Megun, Isan, Ipesu, Arapagi Lotu, Ibon, Ito-Omu, Ladaba, Dongo, Oregun, Ladega and Ladaba Oke-Odo. (The Nation)