Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday, presented cheques of over N1.5 billion to 202 beneficiaries whose land or property was demolished for public purposes concerning road, and school constructions, among other facilities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the event, which took place at Adereyi Bero Auditorium, Ikeja, said the gesture represented a moment where partnerships between citizens and government converged to shape a prosperous future, pointing out that his administration was not only honoring commitment but also reinforcing its dedication to creating a Lagos that served all its people.
The governor said that as a government, his administration recognizes not only the invaluable support landowners had provided for the state’s ambitious development initiatives but also the spirit of cooperation and commitment they had shown toward the shared vision for a better Lagos.
“This occasion goes beyond compensation; it signifies our unwavering commitment to enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Lagos State. The lands we acquired are not just pieces of property; they are the lifelines upon which we build a sustainable future, establish vital public infrastructures, and drive economic transformation.
“From hospitals to schools, roads, and housing projects, these lands form the core of initiatives that are essential to ensuring that every resident of Lagos State benefits from our shared resources and lives with dignity,” the governor stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further stated that by creating critical infrastructure and establishing community amenities, the state government was improving connectivity, easing access to essential services, and laying a firm groundwork for sustainable growth and development.
“In the past few years, the Lagos State Government has taken bold steps in the transformation of these acquired lands into initiatives that uplift lives. We are building healthcare facilities that serve communities in need, schools that foster knowledge and skills, and transport systems that connect people and goods with efficiency.
“Take, for instance, the ongoing construction of new hospitals, which will provide timely, quality healthcare to thousands of Lagosians each year, or the expansion of our transportation networks, which reduce travel times and drive productivity across the state. Each of these projects is a testament to our vision of inclusive growth and our unwavering commitment to enhancing the standard of living for all,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed that his administration was intentional in designing projects that fostered economic development, promoted urban resilience, and elevated the quality of life, saying that his administration was developing affordable housing projects, bringing shelter and security to countless families across state, and reinforcing public safety infrastructure to ensure that residents feel secure in their communities.
According to him, these initiatives are transformative and do not just meet immediate needs, but lay the foundation for a future where every Lagosian can thrive.
“Today, as we present these cheques to you, our respected beneficiaries, we acknowledge and appreciate your support and understanding. Your contributions are invaluable, and the legacy of this partnership will have a lasting impact on Lagos State for generations to come. This compensation is a symbol of our respect for your sacrifices, and it is my hope that these funds serve you well and empower you to pursue further opportunities,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the compensation judiciously, by investing in ventures that would yield enduring benefits for them and their families.
The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, in his welcome address, said the lands acquired served various strategic purposes, reflecting a forward-looking vision for the state.
He said the developments right from Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege to the transformative Oyingbo Ultra-Modern Bus Terminal and the LAMATA projects along the Oja Oba and Maryland Corridors, “signifies our strides in modernizing Lagos’ transport infrastructure.”
The permanent secretary equally said that the road expansion project in Orile-Badagry alongside the ongoing developments in Kantangowa and the relocation of Computer Village from Ikeja to the ICT Park in Abule Egba, exemplified the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving connectivity, alleviating congestion, and supporting commercial activities.
“These projects are essential to Lagos’ progress. By acquiring these lands, the S state government has been able to execute projects that foster a more organized, efficient, and economically viable environment for all citizens.
“The initiatives support our goals in urban renewal, transport modernization, job creation, and improved public safety, reflecting the State’s commitment to holistic development and improved quality of life,” he said.
Olowoshago, while acknowledging the significant role the beneficiaries had played in bringing these projects to life, said that they had demonstrated understanding and cooperation by allowing the state government to use their land for the greater good, “thus playing an essential role in our collective journey towards building a more livable and economically vibrant Lagos.”
“We know that land ownership holds great value and sentimental importance, and we are here to fulfill our promise to recognise that by providing fair compensation,” Olowoshago said.
Some of those who got compensation were those whose lands and property were acquired for the construction of Pen Cinema, Agege, LAMATA Bus Stop at Abule Egba, Orile-Badagry Road Expansion, and Katanguwa Computer Village, amongst others.
