Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented land allocation letters to 98 villages in Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki, promising planned growth, infrastructure and new economic opportunities
Sanwo-Olu Hands Land Allocation Letters to 98 Villages in Ibeju-Lekki, Sangotedo
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented land allocation letters to 98 villages in Ito-Omu and other communities in Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki, describing the initiative as a major step towards delivering orderly urban growth and sustainable development in one of the state’s fastest-expanding corridors.
The allocation letters were presented to leaders of the beneficiary communities during a ceremony at the Ito-Omu Link Bridge in Sangotedo. The exercise follows the state’s acquisition of 16,300 hectares of land through the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) for housing, infrastructure and other strategic development projects.
Sanwo-Olu said the government was determined to ensure that the rapid growth of Ito-Omu and neighbouring communities is driven by careful planning rather than unchecked expansion, adding that the goal is to build communities where residents can live with dignity, conduct business and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
“The future of Lagos cannot be built on unplanned expansion. It must be built on deliberate planning, appropriate infrastructure, secure communities and opportunities for our people to prosper.
“This is why the development plan for Ito-Omu and the adjoining communities is so important. It provides a framework for guiding growth in a rapidly developing part of Lagos, ensuring that residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and recreational land uses are properly integrated, so that infrastructure can be efficiently provided, investment can flourish, and residents can enjoy a better quality of life.
“This is fully consistent with the vision of our THEMES+ Agenda and our commitment to building a Lagos that is more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and globally competitive.
“As Lagos continues to expand and attract people, businesses and investment, we must ensure that growth is not simply about how much we build, but how well we plan, how fairly we develop, and how many people we carry along. That is the real significance of today’s ceremony.”
The governor said his administration remains committed to ensuring that physical planning delivers improved infrastructure, stronger land tenure security, fresh economic opportunities and better living conditions while preserving the heritage and identity of the affected communities. He urged beneficiaries to continue working with the state government and relevant agencies to guarantee orderly and sustainable development.
Sanwo-Olu also praised the Lands Bureau, the New Towns Development Authority, the Office of the State Surveyor-General, consulting firms and other stakeholders for their roles in bringing the project to fruition.
“Let me also make it clear that the presentation of these letters is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a new phase in which planning must translate into tangible development. We will continue to work towards opening up these communities with better road access, improved drainage and social infrastructure, while the planned Ito-Omu Waterfront Jetty will strengthen connectivity and ease movement for our people. These are the kinds of interventions that will turn this plan from a document into a living, thriving community, creating new opportunities for investment, employment and improved living conditions.
“I congratulate all the beneficiaries and stakeholders on this important milestone. I assure you that the development of Ito-Omu and the surrounding communities will be orderly in design, secure in tenure, and rich in opportunity,” he said.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Kamar Olowosago, thanked the affected communities for making land available for development projects, saying the initiative would accelerate infrastructure delivery and boost socio-economic activities across the axis.
Speaking on behalf of the 98 beneficiary villages, the Onibeju of Ibeju-Lekki, Oba Razak Olasunkanmi, commended the Lagos State Government and appealed for the new town to accommodate both commercial and residential developments to strengthen economic connectivity among the communities. He also urged the government to establish a technical college in the Ibeju-Lekki axis to provide vocational opportunities for young people in the area.
The beneficiary communities include Ito-Omu, Orofun, Agadangba, Oko-Keji, Okun-Abe, Abegede, Idi-Ori, Anikansogbo, Anwoye Oke, Anwoye Ebute, Ladaba Ebute, Idi Afon, Oguntedo, Megun, Isan, Ipesu, Arapagi Lotu, Ibon, Dongo, Oregun, Ladega and Ladaba Oke-Odo, among others.
