The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has held a stakeholders’ engagement with traders at Computer Village, Ikeja, on the planned relocation of the market to the proposed ICT and Business Park at Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA.
Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, said the exercise was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive that the process must be inclusive and transparent.
“This is the first time in 15 years that government is holding this kind of meeting directly with you in your market. It shows the governor’s commitment to openness,” Oki said.
He explained that the state government was fast-tracking work at the Katangowa ICT and Business Park, which will feature modern facilities including hotels, banks, recreation centres, car parks, a fire station, a police post and well-planned access roads.
According to Oki, the relocation would be beneficial to both government and traders, as it would restore Ikeja’s original designation as a residential area while offering traders a more organised and conducive environment at the new site.
He appealed to the traders to cooperate with the relocation plan and desist from street trading, which has contributed to drainage challenges and setbacks in Ikeja.
Officials of the Urban Development Department also gave a presentation highlighting the benefits of the new market, which is designed to position Lagos as a leading ICT hub in West Africa.
The Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief Abisola Azeez, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the initiative, noting that the new site would boost the market’s potential and create better opportunities for traders and customers.
Other officials present at the engagement included the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun; the Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mrs. Florence Gbaye; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Segun Williams.
Executive members of the Computer Village Market Association were also in attendance.
