Lagos Begins Drainage Project In Lagos Island To Tackle Flooding

The Lagos State Government has commenced the creation of natural water flow channels along road networks in flood-prone areas of Lagos Island.

The project is part of the state’s regeneration plan to address recurring flooding, improve road infrastructure, and provide essential amenities for residents of the island.

This was disclosed during the ceremony for the construction of an ultra-modern shopping mall at the site of the demolished Pelewura iron rod market, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.

The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through the Office of Urban Development, in partnership with the Lagos Island Local Council Development Area, is expected to be completed within a year.

In a statement obtained by Saturday PUNCH, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, explained that the regeneration of Pelewura market was central to the government’s master plan for the Island.

He said, “In theory, Lagos Island is not below sea level, but it is very close. This makes the management of drainage flow critical. What we are planning now is to create natural drainage channels, and that means pulling down structures that obstruct the process.

“The result will be a return to the old days when we had free-flowing drains. As a child, I remember making paper boats with friends and racing them on the streets. That was possible because water could flow freely. That is exactly what we want to bring back to Lagos Island.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Olajide Abiodun, described the proposed mall as a symbol of renewed life for Lagos Island.

The Chairman of Lagos Island LCDA, Folawiyo Alade, assured that the project would be delivered on schedule.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Felicitates Chief Of Staff At 59

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has felicitated his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, as he turns 59.

Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary (CoS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Ayinde as a worthy and trusted partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

He also described his CoS as a loyal, dependable, selfless, hardworking and God-fearing man, who had contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State.

The governor said Ayinde had displayed high capacity in service, hence, the decision to return him in the same capacity was a testament to his high level of performance, competence, hard work and loyalty.

The governor further described Ayinde as a beacon of grassroots mobilisation and support, hard work, loyalty and sincerity, saying that the celebrant is a man of integrity, diligence and a model of excellence, whom he is pleased to call his Chief of Staff.

According to him, Ayinde is an asset to his administration because of his loyalty, selflessness and hardwork, and further described him as God-fearing and a quintessential gentleman who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos State as a member of the State Executive Council.

“Happy Birthday to my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, a reliable, trusted, loyal and hardworking gentleman in the Greater Lagos agenda. Ayinde is a committed public servant who has displayed a high level of competence, accountability and transparency in public office.

“He is indeed a ‘Buffalo,’ as he is usually called by his friends and political associates, because he depicts the true strength and survival instincts of a buffalo.”

 

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Sanwo-Olu Unveils New Badagry Roads, Boosts Infrastructure

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged continued state-wide infrastructure development as he unveiled a network of roads in Badagry Local Government Area and Olorunda Local Council Development Area on Wednesday.

Addressing residents during the event, the governor commended them for their support in the last local government election and restated the administration’s commitment to grassroots development.

He said, “Beyond the electoral process, we commend the continuous understanding, patience, and cooperation shown by the people of Badagry throughout the entire construction period of these road projects.

“Your willingness to accommodate the challenges that often accompany such large-scale infrastructure works—such as temporary disruptions and inconveniences—has been instrumental.

“This spirit of partnership and community support has provided us with the crucial leverage needed to overcome obstacles and ensure the successful and timely delivery of these transformative road projects that will positively impact your daily lives and the future growth of the region.”

He emphasised the broader goals of the projects, saying, “As we promised, we are using improved road infrastructure to enhance trade and commerce, stimulate the tourism sector, and, most importantly, open up remote areas.

“We are convinced that infrastructural development remains the foundation for a vibrant tourism sector.”

Sanwo-Olu explained that the administration remained committed to ensuring all areas of Lagos benefit from development.

“Whether through roads, drainage systems, or other essential amenities, we are committed to reaching every nook and cranny of the state. True and sustainable development can only be realised when it touches the lives of all citizens,” he said.

He also assured the residents that prior commitments on project delivery had been fulfilled.

The inaugurated roads include Samuel Ekundayo/Toga Road and Hospital Road, both aimed at improving interconnectivity and supporting tourism around historic landmarks such as the General Hospital, Agiya Tree Monument, and Slave Trade Relic/Town Hall.

Speaking on the roads, the governor said Samuel Ekundayo/Toga Road provides an alternative route to a section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, connecting Badagry Roundabout to Limca/Ibereko.

“The completion of Phase II has significantly improved interconnectivity among communities in Badagry.

“Hospital Road is a critically strategic route situated in close proximity to Badagry Marina, which serves as a vital hub for water transportation connecting Badagry to Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and even to various neighbouring West African countries,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu concluded by advising residents to protect the new infrastructure.

“Finally, I urge all community leaders, the people of Badagry, and all road users to guard jealously the infrastructure being handed over today, ensuring its preservation for generations to come,” he said.

 

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Ibeju Lekki LGA Gets Facelift From Lagos State Government

A new administrative building, purpose built legislative council chamber and a standard interlocking road were some of the projects recently inaugurated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, on Wednesday.

The multi-storey administrative building, named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was rebuilt and delivered by the council chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Olowa. It succeeds the old council secretariat, which was razed by arsonists during the October 2020 protests against police brutality.

Sanwo-Olu also performed the groundbreaking for the construction of Citrus Gardens— a housing project the council initiated in collaboration with private developers.

The occasion marked a new chapter in the council’s efforts to reorganise its administrative structures, following the destruction of its headquarters in the wake of violent protests.

Sanwo-Olu said the projects underscored the council chairman’s commitment to inclusive development and responsive governance at the grassroots.

The development, the Governor said, reflected the resilient spirit of the council to bounce back from the setbacks it suffered from arson attacks. He said the progress marked the power of purposeful and transformational leadership that had been driving the progress of the State.

He said: “It is with a great delight that I commission and hand over these impactful projects to the good people of Ibeju Lekki. These projects underscore our commitment to inclusive development and responsive governance at the grassroots level. This moment reflects the progress inspired by the transformative impact of our THEMES Plus development agenda. This is the power of purposeful and transformational leadership that is driving Lagos State forward.

“Grassroots development is central to our vision for a Greater Lagos. The projects being unveiled today are a collaborative efforts of the Government, development partners and the resilient people of this community. The newly completed administrative building will restore and enhance operational efficiency of the council, just as it will improve staff productivity. The well-furnished legislative building complements the business of the local government for more greater impact.”

Sanwo-Olu said the projects centred around jobs creation and broadening the council’s internally generated revenue base, stressing that the projects would promote orderly urban development in the community.

Inaugurating the road, the Governor said the infrastructure would open up access to undeveloped areas of the council, permitting more development. The road was named after the Governor to honour Sanwo-Olu’s infrastructure legacy in the council.

The Governor used the opportunity to inform the council’s residents about his administration’s plan to construct key road projects in the Ibeju Lekki community, pointing out that Eleranigbe Road would be attended to in order to open connectivity around Omu Creek.

“I make bold to inform you that we have started the bridge from Sangotedo and will cross over from Omu Creek to drop at Lekki airport area. Once this infrastructure is completed, it will open up the entire corridor,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Olowa said the reconstruction of the council’s headquarters would normalise activities in the local government area, noting that staff members of the council could now work in a workspace that fostered efficiency and innovation.

He said: “This new secretariat complex provides a spacious, well-equipped, and technologically advanced environment which addresses the longstanding challenges of inadequate office space and suboptimal working conditions. With high-speed internet, 24-hour solar lighting, CCTV surveillance, and a dedicated ICT Center, I can confidently declare that we have delivered one of the most advanced local government administrative buildings in the country.”

The council chairman said the new legislative chamber would be the cornerstone of democratic governance in the council. The councillors, he said, would now operate from a befitting office accommodation that reflected the importance of their work.

Olowa said the Citrus Gardens would be more than housing estate. The project, he said, will stimulate economic activity and set a new benchmark for urban development in Ibeju-Lekki.

“The housing estate will feature modern residential units, paved roads, CCTV surveillance, constant security, indoor recreation spaces, and green areas. All designed to promote safe, inclusive, and sustainable living,” the council boss said.

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Ejigbo LCDA Unveils Ultra-Modern Secretariat

A brand new ultra-modern council secretariat for Ejigbo local council development area (LCDA) has been unveiled. The event, which held over the weekend, marked a historic milestone for the council. The Chairman of the LCDA, Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (OBE), unveiled the newly constructed edifice.

The building, named Nurudeen Obe Complex, stands as a tribute to his late father’s legacy.

Bello described it as a significant moment in the history of the council

He specially acknowledged the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, for his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and his consistent support for the growth of local government administration across the state.

Reflecting on the journey that led to the construction of the edifice, Bello noted that the secretariat’s history dated back to 2003 during the creation of LCDAs under the then Governor, now President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He explained that Ejigbo LCDA operated from the inherited NRC building, which, though used by four successive administrations, was unsuitable for governance.

According to him, the structure, originally meant for party activities, could not support effective administration. Offices were scattered due to space limitations and infrastructure decay, which hindered service delivery. Upon assuming office on July 27, 2017, Bello said it became clear that the NRC structure had to be replaced completely.

“In collaboration with the Department of Works and Infrastructure, we developed a modern design that conforms with the institutional and operational demands of a Lagos State Model city governance,” he said, adding “This is not just another building but a symbol of hope, unity, and inclusive governance. It is a structure that regulates and represents the interests of the Federal Government, Lagos State, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, and Ejigbo LCDA. “This secretariat is not only a seat of governance; it is a catalyst for economic growth. Its strategic location, nestled between Ajao Estate and the Oshodi-Isolo axis, provides a natural flow of commercial activities and positions Ejigbo as a fertile ground for investors.”

He lauded religious bodies across all faiths for their continuous prayers, moral guidance, and support. He also thanked stakeholders and residents for their trust, patience, and support throughout his administration.

He acknowledged his political personal assistants and paid tribute to his late parents, especially his father, a pioneer politician in Ejigbo Land.

Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised the project as a landmark achievement. He said the ultra-modern secretariat reflected visionary leadership, purposeful governance, and a strong commitment to the people of Ejigbo and Lagos State.

 

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