Sanwo-Olu presents N1.5bn in compensation to 104 landowners

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday presented over N1.5 billion cheques to 104 beneficiaries whose land were acquired for overriding public purposes.

l-r: Committee chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Kazeem Muyideen; beneficiary, Estate of Chief Robert Jaiyeola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024

The event, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Secretariat in Ikeja, marked a pivotal moment in the government’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive growth and community development.

Sanwo-Olu, in his keynote address, described the occasion as a vital step towards reinforcing the partnership between the government and the people of Lagos State.

l-r: Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowosago; Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; committee chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Kazeem Muyideen; beneficiary, representatives of Ogunsanya and Ogunsanya; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024

“Today marks more than just the disbursement of compensation; it is a powerful testament to the partnership between citizens and government—a partnership that shapes a future of shared prosperity,” he said.

The Governor expressed his gratitude to the landowners for their cooperation and trust in supporting the state’s development initiatives.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (fourth left); his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (fourth right); Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowosago (second right), with some beneficiaries during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024

He noted that their willingness to contribute land for public purposes reflected a shared vision of a greater Lagos, where growth and inclusivity are at the forefront.

“Your spirit of cooperation reflects a shared vision for a greater Lagos, where growth and inclusivity go hand in hand,” Sanwo-Olu added.

Emphasising the importance of the lands acquired, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the transformative role these properties played in the state’s development.

He pointed out that the land were being utilized for critical infrastructure projects that benefitted all Lagosians, including hospitals, schools, affordable housing schemes, and transportation systems.

“Our affordable housing schemes offer security and dignity to countless families, while our public safety infrastructure ensures residents feel safe in their communities. These efforts go beyond meeting immediate needs—they create the foundation for a future where every Lagosian can thrive,” the governor said.

The Governor further reassured the beneficiaries that their compensation was not only a symbol of the government’s respect and appreciation for their cooperation but also an investment in their future.

“I urge each of you to use this compensation judiciously. Invest in ventures that yield long-term benefits for you and your families,” he advised.

Reflecting on the ongoing projects, Sanwo-Olu mentioned the ongoing hospital and transportation initiatives, which promise to improve access to healthcare and boost productivity across the state.

He expressed confidence that the government’s focus on sustainable growth and inclusivity would continue to shape Lagos into a resilient and prosperous metropolis.

Kamar Olowoshago, Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, while speaking at the event emphasised that the event was not just about compensation but a recognition of the crucial role landowners had played in the state’s development journey.

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Olowoshago highlighted the strategic importance of land acquisition in the realization of the state’s ambitious development agenda, citing several projects benefiting from acquired lands, including the Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, the Oyingbo Ultra-Modern Bus Terminal, and the expansion of the LAMATA transportation network.

The ongoing Road Expansion project in Orile-Badagry and the relocation of Computer Village to the ICT Park in Abule Egba were also showcased as key initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, alleviating congestion, and boosting economic activities.

“These projects are essential to Lagos’ progress. By acquiring these land, the State Government has been able to execute projects that foster a more organized, efficient, and economically viable environment for all citizens,” Olowoshago remarked.

The Permanent Secretary also urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously to secure their future and create lasting opportunities for their families.

“This gesture is not just about compensation; it is a reaffirmation of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting its citizens and ensuring that our urban and infrastructural development projects contribute meaningfully to the lives of all Lagosians,” he said.