Urban renewal: How we are turning our major towns into smart cities — Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has stated that his administration’s vision is materialising through urban renewal initiatives in key towns across the state.

During a visit to the ongoing construction at the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Abeokuta, Abiodun noted that his government’s housing projects have enhanced the aesthetics of major cities.

He highlighted that housing developments in Kobape, Iperu, Ijebu Ode, and Ilaro have significantly transformed these locations, earning them recognition as smart cities.

Speaking on his administration’s urban renewal agenda, the governor announced the completion of the first phase of 35 houses at Ibara GRA.

During the site inspection, Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to rejuvenating the GRAs, which he described as valuable state assets.

Expressing concern over the previous state of these areas, he lamented their deterioration into slum-like conditions unsuitable for habitation.

“We embarked on urban renewal projects in Abeokuta, the state capital, in phases, starting with three hectares of land. The first phase consists of 30 to 35 houses, and the progress we have achieved so far is exemplary.

“All construction is being carried out by local artisans, which serves as a means of job creation. Despite the high quality of the houses, they remain affordable. This initiative presents a fresh image of Abeokuta,” he remarked.

Governor Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that while construction continues, key infrastructure, including drainage systems, sidewalks, solar-powered street lighting, electricity, and water distribution, has already been put in place.

“The architectural designs are visually appealing, and the construction quality is commendable. This project is not being executed by foreign contractors, nor is it awarded through a formal contract. Instead, it is built through direct labour to engage local tradespeople such as painters, bricklayers, carpenters, and welders,” he added.

Commending the Commissioner for Housing and his team for their efforts, the governor emphasised that a vision alone is insufficient without an effective team for implementation.

“Abeokuta, as the capital of the Gateway State, must uphold the highest standards. These structures are comparable to developments anywhere in the world, and we have undertaken this project to attract more residents to Abeokuta,” he stated.

He assured that similar developments would be replicated in other GRAs in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ota. He further reinforced his administration’s ambition to encourage migration from Lagos to Ogun State, believing that such initiatives would attract more investors and residents.

At the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun addressed challenges his administration had overcome in continuing the project inherited from the previous government. He explained that despite its potential, the estate was embroiled in legal disputes, which his government successfully resolved out of court.

Describing the estate as a worthy initiative aimed at providing decent housing, Abiodun stated that abandoning it was never an option, given the public funds already invested.

“We divided the estate’s development into phases and redesigned it for better functionality. Plot sizes were reallocated and adjusted, resulting in 116 high-quality houses, including fully detached and semi-detached homes. These residences meet global standards,” he said.

“The semi-detached houses feature four en-suite bedrooms, a boys’ quarters, a private upstairs sitting room, and a driveway accommodating up to four cars. The fully detached houses include an additional study and attached boys’ quarters.”

Governor Abiodun revealed that demand for the estate has surged, with members of the Nigerian diaspora and executives from Lagos and Abuja securing properties.

“We are now preparing for the second phase to accommodate this overwhelming demand,” he said.

The governor underscored that his decision to complete the estate demonstrates that government is a continuum and that public-benefit projects should not be abandoned due to political differences.

“I looked beyond personalities and focused on the collective interest of Ogun State. The funds invested in this estate belong to the people, and the benefits are evident. Today, we have a world-class residential development,” he declared.

He encouraged potential buyers to take advantage of current prices before inflation leads to inevitable increases.

Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, explained that the Ibara GRA renewal project aims to modernise the estate, originally built in 1976 during the state’s creation.

He stated that four clusters are currently under development and that an initial batch of 200 duplexes would be completed within two months, with additional units ready by December.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Prince Faruq Adenugba, praised the governor for his dedication to delivering a remarkable housing development that will redefine Abeokuta’s residential landscape. He urged prospective buyers to secure properties while they remain affordable.