The Lagos State Government has reassured the indigenes of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki regarding the ongoing land acquisitions for developmental projects, stressing that these actions are in the communities’ best interests.
At a stakeholders’ meeting for the Epe Mixed Development Scheme and Labour City, Kamar Olowoshago, the Permanent Secretary of the State Land Bureau, addressed local concerns, assuring that the state’s plans would bring significant benefits to the indigenes and enhance their communities.
The meeting, organised by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) in Epe, was attended by various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and lawmakers.
During the session, the two lawmakers representing Epe in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tobun Abiodun and Sylvester Ogunkelu, voiced concerns over the land acquisitions.
They questioned the adequacy of compensation for landowners and raised objections to the transfer of community lands to private entities without the consent of the indigenes.
Former lawmaker Segun Olulade also expressed concerns about the land acquisition procedures, urging the government to ensure proper handling of the process.
Other stakeholders raised issues such as environmental pollution, traffic congestion, and the lack of basic social amenities.
In response, Olowoshago assured the public that many of the concerns had already been addressed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
He confirmed that no land would be acquired without proper compensation and urged community members to embrace the project and take ownership of it.
Olowoshago also appealed for patience as the government worked to ensure the benefits of the development would reach the communities.
In his opening remarks, Olakunle Aboyeji, General Manager of NTDA, emphasized the importance of stakeholder cooperation in the projects.
He explained that the meeting aimed to inform the public and garner support for the development schemes, which are designed to curb illegal development, prevent encroachment, and improve infrastructure in the area.
