Sanwo-Olu engages Alaba Rago Market stakeholders on regeneration plan
By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe
The Lagos State Office of Urban Development has assured Alaba Rago Transnational Market stakeholders that its ongoing regeneration and redevelopment would be inclusive, transparent and beneficial, especially to the market’s original traders and occupants.
The assurance was given during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the palace of Oba Sulaimon Raji-Ashade, the Oniba of Iba, on Wednesday.
At the meeting, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the Alaba Rago Market redevelopment was a priority for his administration.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde.
“Development has come to our doorstep – and this is sincere development.
“This is not about Mr Governor alone. He carries the mandate of the President, the Vice President, and most importantly, the people,” he said.
He emphasised that the project was not aimed at dispossessing people of their land, but rather at improving their livelihoods through organised urban growth.
“This regeneration is for the people. It is designed to benefit the original traders and residents, including the Hausa community, who have contributed immensely to the commercial growth of the area,” he said.
According to the governor, the project will be executed in six phases, with phase one expected to be completed before the end of 2024.
This phase, he said, comprised 10 blocks of 60 shops each.
Phase four, which includes a cattle ranch and trailer park, is also under construction, according to him.
He added that the redevelopment effort was a joint venture between the Lagos State Government and its development partners, and had the full support of the local communities.
“We have worked with the community, taken down distressed and improperly-planned structures, and we are rebuilding – for the people who were here before,” he said.
The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Yisa Jubril, thanked the governor and the royal father for their roles in actualising the long-awaited redevelopment.
“For years, people have been clamouring for Alaba Rago’s redevelopment. Today, we are seeing it become a reality,” he said.
Jubril urged the community members to inform others of the progress, and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that original traders would reclaim their spaces in the market.
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, commended the royal father for good leadership, and praised the cooperation of the people of Iba and surrounding communities, including Okokomaiko and Sabo Oniba.
“Oba Raji-Ashade has brought remarkable transformation to the Iba Kingdom. His proactive approach to community development is exemplary,” Robert said.
In his remarks, Oba Sulaimon Raji-Ashade called on the residents and other stakeholders to support the government’s efforts, stressing the importance of inclusiveness and unity in achieving sustainable development.
“We are not tribalists in Lagos, we want to make sure everyone benefits – including our northern brothers. Let’s cooperate with the government; they are not here to scatter us,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, attended by community leaders, market representatives, chiefs and traders, featured presentation of operational vehicles and urban development vests by the Office of E-GIS and Urban Development.
The stakeholders’ engagement marks a significant step in the Lagos State Government’s vision of “A Greater Lagos Rising,” with the Alaba Rago Transnational Market regeneration serving as a model for future market redevelopments across the state.
Alaba Rago Market is a popular food, livestock and scrap metal market in Iba, Ojo council area of Lagos State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
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