The Lagos State Government has officially handedover the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan (2016- 2036) to stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who spoke during the official ceremony at Ikorodu Town Hall on Tuesday, acknowledged the support of leaders and people of Ikorodu Division in assisting to make the Planning document a reality.
His words: “I am deeply excited that the people of Ikorodu Division have always demonstrated the 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 who-is-who in the Sub-Region in this hall, including traditional rulers, past and serving public officials, and other well-meaning stakeholders”.
He said that the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan would henceforth guide physical development in the axis until its expiration in 2036, focusing on key areas of land use, transportation, physical and socio-economic infrastructure and environmental management.
He emphasised 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.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire congratulated the people of the area for witnessing the formal handover of the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan that would change the fortune of the axis for the better by aiding the achievement of the Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government.
He averred that adherence to the prescriptions of the document would engender an organised, orderly, livable, and sustainable physical environment in the Sub-Region.
Earlier, the Director, Regional and Master Plan in the Office of Physical Planning, Tpl. Kunle Salami, who gave a synopsis of the project, said that the planned duration of Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan was 2016 – 2036, but the untimely demise of a leading member of the consultants, Messrs City Scape Planning Services, delayed the completion of the project.
Tpl. Kamil Sanni, who represented the consultants, emphasised the participatory models, such as focus group discussions and several stakeholders’ engagements, adopted in preparing the Master Plan with the support of the royal fathers and leaders and people of the area.
Speaking on behalf of the people, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi, who symbolically received the Planning document from the Commissioner, commended the Administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for its interest in the Ikorodu Sub-Region and acknowledged the fact that the Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan was prepared in consultation with the people, whom he pledged would ensure ownership of the Plan.
The event was attended by notable figures in the axis, including all paramount traditional rulers in Ikorodu Sub-Region, a former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; former Head of Service, Lagos State, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe; former Commissioners, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, Tpl. Wasiu Abiola Anifowoshe, Tpl. Olutoyin Ayinde, Dr. Idris Okanla Salako and Otunba Ayodele Elesho as well as Special Adviser, Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, among others.