By Lydia Ngwakwe
The Lagos State Government says the Lagos Island Model City Plan, when operational, will restore the glory of Lagos Island.
Dr Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, said this during the stakeholders meeting on the Plan, on Thursday, in Lagos.
He said that the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had created a detailed plan for the future development of Lagos Island with the aim of leveraging what made the island special to its advantage.
Olumide said that the intended goal of the plan was to boost the economy and social well-being of the people as well as their aspirations.
He said that the plan, conceived to correct the negative impacts of the partial implementation of the expired Lagos Metropolitan Master Plan, would in the next 20 years, seek to position the subject area into a world-class commercial, industrial, and cultural hub, across West Africa.
According to him, it will also promote the sustainability of the cultural and historical heritage of Lagos Island while advancing a new dimension in the regeneration of traditional communities.
He stated that the consultant, Messrs.Dar- Al- Handasah, adopted a participatory procedure in preparing the plan to make it the outcome of different levels of stakeholders’ involvement.
“To ensure that no group is left behind in contributing to the achievement of a resilient, sustainable, and organised Lagos Island of our dream, the Draft Final Plan of the Lagos Island Model City Plan was displayed to the public for 28 days, between May 17 and June 23, 2023.
“ This was followed by presentations and engagements with other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and interest groups, including the Isale Eko Descendants Union,’’ he said.
Mr Sylvester Ogunkelu , Chairman, House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, urged Lagos Island indigenes to give their support for the enactment of the Model City Plan, saying it would give a facelift to the Lagos Island environment.
Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban Development, noted that planning for the future development of Lagos Island was essential.
Dar- Al- Handasah, led by Mr Salim Eid, the Project Manager, presented the Draft Final Lagos Island Model City Plan along the thematic areas of challenges and issues, opportunities and positioning as well as strategies and outcomes.
Some of the issues, he said, include flood protection and mitigation, housing and community facilities, heritage and transportation.
The indigenes of Lagos Island, including Mr Oyinlomo Danmole, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Mr Abiola Kosoko, Mr Hakeem Gbajabiamila and Mr Lookman Oshodi, spoke severally on the need to incorporate their comments and concerns into the plan.
They said they would like a blend of development and cultural heritage, devoid of gentrification.
Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Olanrewaju Afinni; the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mr Gbolahan Oki; and the Managing Director, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation( LSDPC), Mr Ayo Joseph; also spoke at the event.
Other notable personalities at the event include the Lagos White Cap Chiefs, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Mr Oluwole Sotire; and former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Toyin Ayinde.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
