Lagos State presents Ikorodu 20-Year Development Plan
By Esther Agbo
The Lagos State Government has officially presented the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan for 2016-2036 to stakeholders, local leaders and elders.
A report from the state government’s official portal disclosed this development.
According to the state government, once a primarily agrarian area with a few villages, Ikorodu has experienced a significant population surge, leading to issues such as flooding, land management disputes, and traffic congestion.
At the official ceremony held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, expressed gratitude to community leaders and residents for their support in bringing the plan to fruition.
He expressed his excitement over the community’s involvement throughout the plan’s development stages, “I am deeply excited that the people of Ikorodu Division have always demonstrated ownership of the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan, right from its preparation to the completion stage, and this is being demonstrated here today with the impressive turnout for the launch of the master plan.
I am elated to see the who-is-who in the sub-region in this hall, including traditional rulers, past and serving public officials, and other well-meaning stakeholders.”
Dr. Olumide explained that the master plan, which will guide development in Ikorodu until 2036, focuses on physical and socio-economic infrastructure, land use, transportation and environmental management.
He added that the Master plan was aimed at the sustainable development of the Sub-Region and that officers of the Ministry, both at the district level and headquarters, would be quite responsive to the needs of the people regarding its use.
He highlighted that the Master Plan is designed to promote sustainable development within the Sub-Region assuring that both district and headquarters officers from the Ministry would be responsive to public needs regarding the plan’s implementation.
The Director, Regional and Master Plan in the Office of Physical Planning, Tpl. Kunle Salami, provided a synopsis of the project.
He explained that while the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan was originally intended to cover the years 2016 to 2036, the premature death of a key consultant, Messrs City Scape Planning Services delayed its completion.
Tpl. Kamil Sanni, representing the consultants, highlighted the use of participatory methods, including focus group discussions and various stakeholder engagements, supported by local leaders and residents, in developing the Master Plan.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, congratulated the local residents on the formal handover of the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan. He noted that this plan is expected to significantly improve the area’s prospects by contributing to the Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy pillar initiative under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government.
Sotire emphasized that following the plan’s guidelines would foster a well-organized, orderly, livable, and sustainable environment in the Sub-Region.
On behalf of the community, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi, received the planning document from the Commissioner. He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its dedication to the Ikorodu Sub-Region and affirmed that the Master Plan was developed with local input. He pledged that the community would take ownership of the plan.
The event saw attendance from several notable figures in the region, including all paramount traditional rulers of the Ikorodu Sub-Region, former Deputy Governor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Lagos State Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, and other former commissioners and advisers.
