50yrs of LSDPC: Sanwo-Olu decorated “most performing governor on housing”
By Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu was on Thursday decorated with the award of the “Most Performing Governor on Housing in the Federation”, in recognition of his stride in housing development in Lagos State.
The award was presented to the Governor by the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN), at the event to mark 50 years of the existence of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) which had stakeholders in the housing and property sector discussing the THEME “Unfolding Arms to Join Hands: Moving the Lagos Property Market Forward”.
Speaking, the President, Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN), Dr. Victor Onukwugha said the legacy of LSDPC should be emulated across the Country, saying that among all 36 governors X-trayed in the Country, it was only in Lagos the Governor has continued to work with housing corporations with openness.
Speaking, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II), who presented the award to Sanwo-Olu applauded the Governor “for adding value to the Corporation (LSDPC)”, saying some of the templates of the Corporation have formed the basis for policy making in the housing sector
“There is one very important thing that we must emphasised which is the continuity of the work force. LSCDC is a professional organisation. Professionalism is very important and that is why the Corporation is doing very well,” he said.
The traditional ruler who was a former Commisoner for Housing in Lagos, said “we will continue to be proud of you”, assuring the Corporation of provision of lands upon demands within the confines of Iruland for housing development.
Speaking, Sanwo-Olu who is 15th governor of Lagos said continuity remains key as the bedrock of the sustainable development in Lagos.
According to Sanwo-Olu, recent indices showing Lagos is advancing in the rank of 70 liveable cities of the world, said the need to make the city conducive for living has informed consistency in housing provisions to meet increasing demands.
According to him, such projects as newly constructed fire stations and provision of fire trucks were efforts borne out of need to fortify emergency response, while making Lagos more liveable and conducive.
Stating that safety, security, and housing provisions among other indices are critical subjects which have been given priority for an economy as Lagos to stay safe, Sanwo-Olu said no stone will be left unturned to keep the city safe.
Sanwo-Olu who recalled memories of the stride of LSDPC, however charged the work force to do more to sustain the Corporation’s achievements in housing provision.
He charged the work force to maintain the momentum of driving the organisation for sustainability, as a “housing provider of choice” in the State.
Speaking, the MD/CEO LSDPC, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, said 50 years of housing delivery across the State by the Corporation “is indeed worth celebrating.”
According to him, the Agency has consistently fulfilled its mandate of developing plans for providing homes for low and medium income earners.
He said since commercialisation of the corporation, it stopped receiving subventions from the government to run its mandate of providing low and medium housing cost.
He added the Corporation has continued to run on Public Private Partnership arrangement creatively enhanced by Sanwo-Olu when he served as MD/CEO of the Corporation between 2016 and 2018.
He applauded Gov Sanwo-Olu for the support his government accorded to the Corporation to meet its demands, saying the Governor has full support of the work force to return for a second term.
The Chairman, the State House of Assembly Committee on Housing, Hon. Rasheed Makinde said being in business for 50 years with capital intensive projects was commendable, saying development of housing is organic.
He said the quality and affordability of the housing schemes have been awarding, stating the Corporation must work to embrace local content for construction materials, while developing creative ways to outsmart land limitations for more housing construction.
