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By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented land allocation letters to 98 existing communities in Ito-Omu and adjoining areas of Sangotedo, describing the exercise as a significant milestone in the state’s drive to promote inclusive, orderly and sustainable urban development.Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Ito-Omu Link Bridge in Sangotedo, the governor said the initiative was more than a land allocation exercise, stressing that it formally recognises long-established communities and secures their place in the state’s physical development agenda.He noted that the beneficiary communities have, over several generations, contributed to the social, cultural and economic growth of the Epe axis through farming, fishing, trading and other productive activities.Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that rapid urban expansion does not displace indigenous communities but integrates them into the state’s broader development plans.
“As this part of Lagos continues to grow, development must not leave these communities behind. They must be carried along as partners in the transformation taking place around them.”
He disclosed that the exercise was the outcome of extensive consultations initiated in 2021 with traditional rulers, Baales, chiefs, community leaders and residents.
According to him, the process included detailed site inventory surveys, mapping and the preparation of a comprehensive development plan by the Lagos State New Towns Development Authority.
He explained that the allocation letters provide official recognition of the communities and offer greater certainty as the government implements its long-term development blueprint for the area.
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He said the master plan would ensure the orderly integration of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and recreational land uses while creating a framework for efficient infrastructure delivery, increased investment and improved living standards.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the initiative is in line with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises inclusive, resilient, sustainable and globally competitive development.
He emphasised that Lagos cannot achieve sustainable growth through unplanned expansion but through deliberate planning that guarantees secure communities, adequate infrastructure and greater economic opportunities.
Addressing traditional rulers and community leaders, the governor assured them that the government had carefully considered their concerns, documented existing settlements and incorporated their interests into the development framework.
“The letters being presented today are more than official documents. They are a recognition of your place in the future we are building here and an assurance that your communities will not be forgotten,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further pledged that the state government would continue to improve road networks, drainage infrastructure and social amenities across the communities.
He added that the proposed Ito-Omu Waterfront Jetty would boost connectivity and ease the movement of people and goods within the area.
The governor urged residents to continue collaborating with relevant government agencies to ensure orderly and sustainable development, noting that the presentation of the allocation letters marks the beginning of a new phase of translating development plans into tangible infrastructure projects and expanded economic opportunities.
