The Lagos State Government has said that the Lagos Island Model City Plan, when operational, will restore the glory of Lagos Island.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made this known on Thursday, March 7, 2024, during the Stakeholders Meeting on Lagos Island Model City Plan at the Muson, Centre, Lagos.
He explained that the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the preparation of an inclusive Lagos Island Model City Plan to harness the special characteristics of Lagos Island, plan for its sustainable future growth and socio-economic development while addressing the aspirations of the citizens.
He said that the Plan, which was 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 the West African subregion.
He added that the Plan was also aimed to 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 MDAs and interest groups, including the Isale Eko Descendants Union,” he said.
Chairman, House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, urged Lagos Island Indigenes to give their support for the enactment of the Model City Plan, which is expected to give a face lift to the Lagos Island environment.
The Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr.Olajide Babatunde, noted that planning for the future development of Lagos Island was essential as planning was universal and dynamic.
Dar-Al-Handasah, led by the project manager, Mr. Salim Eid, 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 which include flood protection and mitigation, housing and community facilities, heritage and transportation among others.
The indigenes of Lagos Island, mostly represented by Oyinlomo Danmole, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Prince Abiola Kosoko, Engr. Hakeem Gbajabiamila and Tpl. Lookman Oshodi, spoke severally on the need to incorporate their comments and concerns into the Plan as they would like a blend of development and cultural heritage, devoid of gentrification.
Other speakers include Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Olanrewaju Afinni; the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki; and the Managing Director, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Ayo Joseph.
Other notable personalities at the event include the Lagos WhiteCap Chiefs, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire; and former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Toyin Ayinde.
