Investment drive: Ogun set to regenerate old towns

By Ayo Fadimu

The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to regenerate and improve old towns in the State, in order to make them more viable for business and investment opportunities.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Tunji Odunlami dropped this hint while speaking at the presentation of a proposal on ‘Slum Regeneration’ at Alaperu’s Palace in Ikenne Local Government Area of the State.

Tpl. Odunlami stated that the government intends to engender renewal of its major sub-urban areas to attract more investors, noting that it would enable old towns have access to infrastructural facilities.

The Commissioner added that the Ministry had made a proposal, towards the regeneration of some part of the State, saying the ‘Slum Regeneration’ program would allow the government to upgrade the communities and provide what they lack in partnership with the beneficial communities.

Earlier speaking, the acting General Manager of Slum Regeneration Authority, Tpl. Abiola Ayodele restated that the mission was to identify slum areas in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Ilaro, Iperu and Ifo and partner with the beneficial communities to create sustainable living environment for the people of the State.

On his part, the Head of Re-development Planning Department, Tpl. Abdulhakeem Dandi who presented the proposal said the objective was to detect deteriorating areas in Iperu old town and prepare alternative plans for its renewal, highlighting some other areas visited to include Soyege, Odoru, Imibido, Okemaro, Elejina, Jalugba and Oja Ale in Ikenne Local Government Area.

In their separate remarks, Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Adelekan, Oluwo of Iperu, Chief Ifashola Opeodo and Head, Business Health Consult, Prince Gbenga Owokalade appreciated the state government and pledged their readiness to support the mission.