Residents Of Oworonshoki Get Compensation For Demolition

Lagos State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to affected residents of Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area, in fulfilment of its earlier promise to those impacted by the ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme in the area.

The exercise, which began on Thursday, October 23, 2025, was described as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to humane and inclusive urban development.

Speaking at a well-attended ceremony held at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki, the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), TPL/ESV Olajide Animashaun, said the payment followed a series of verification, engagement, and enumeration exercises carried out in collaboration with community stakeholders.

According to Animashaun, the regeneration initiative became necessary due to the proliferation of illegal and dilapidated structures within Oworonshoki, many of which were built on drainage channels and waterways, posing serious environmental and safety risks.

“Oworonshoki is one of the communities earmarked under the state’s comprehensive urban renewal and regeneration plan. Many of the affected structures were unsafe for habitation and constituted environmental hazards. However, in line with the inclusive governance policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the state made a commitment to compensate verified affected residents and today, that promise is being fulfilled,” Animashaun stated.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Lagosians, noting that the payment exercise reflected the government’s sincerity and accountability in implementing its urban renewal policies.

Animashaun also commended the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, for their dedication and tireless efforts toward the realisation of the initiative.

The event was attended by representatives of the Oworonshoki traditional council, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Council (CDC) members, civil society organisations, security agencies, and the media.

It will be recalled that the Lagos State Government had, in recent months, cleared several illegal and substandard structures across Oworonshoki as part of efforts to reclaim right-of-way for drainage systems, improve environmental conditions, and enhance public safety.

According to LASURA, a total of 79 beneficiaries were verified for compensation, to be paid in two batches, with the first group receiving their cheques on Thursday, while the second batch will be attended to on Friday at the same venue.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed gratitude to the state government for keeping its word.

One of them, Mrs Ajimoh Oyenuga, said: “The government gave us this money as compensation for the houses demolished on Precious Street, Oworonshoki. We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about our well-being.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, added: “My house was close to the water, and it wasn’t safe. The government promised to compensate us, and today they have done it. I really appreciate this gesture, promise made, promise kept.”

The LASURA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that urban renewal projects across Lagos are implemented with fairness and transparency, while prioritising the welfare of residents and communities affected by development projects.

 

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Fire Guts Alaba International Market

Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed as fire gutted a section of the popular Alaba International Market, in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The fire, which broke out about 7:18p.m, razed several lock-up shops located at 155, Olojo Drive, opposite Tantalizers, leaving traders, who resumed in the morning, in tears as they watched years of investment up in ashes.

The fire it was gathered, started from one of the shops, which dealt on furnitures, shortly after electricity was restored, when the market had closed for the day.

Meanwhile, some of the traders, who returned to the market when they were called on phone after they had closed for the day, lamented the incident, saying they approached the fire service at the Ojo council secretariat , but were told their was no water in the fire truck stationed at the council.

But the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service attributed its cause to negligence on the part of some shop owners.

Meanwhile, a Senior Public Affairs Officer for the agency, Maria Fadairo, explained: “Upon receiving the alert, the Ojo and Ijegun-Egba Fire Stations were immediately deployed to the scene.

“The incident involved multiple lock-up shops of varying sizes situated within a two-storey building occupying approximately 648 square meters, within a larger market premises spanning about five hectares.”

“Access to the affected areas proved challenging as most shops were closed for the day, necessitating forced entry to gain access and suppress the fire, a delay that contributed to the spread of the flames which was, however, confined to the floor. The affected shops were primarily involved in the sale of furniture items and alternative power equipment with a law office. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded.

“Firefighting operations were successfully concluded at 10.10p.m., with the support of personnel from the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the Ojo Police Division.”

 

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Agege To Boost Waste Management In Flood Prone Areas

The Lagos State Government has strengthened collaboration with Agege Local Government to advance environmental sustainability and improve waste management across the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement following a meeting with the Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government, Ganiu Obasa.

Wahab said the meeting, which was attended by heads of agencies, permanent secretaries and directors, focused on building synergy between the state and local governments to create a cleaner, flood-free and more sustainable Lagos.

According to him, discussions centred on transitioning from a linear waste system, where refuse is simply picked and dumped, to a circular model that treats waste as a valuable resource.

“We agreed that real progress in achieving a cleaner, flood-free, and sustainable Lagos must begin at the grassroots,” Wahab said.

He emphasised that local governments and Local Council Development Areas play a key role in ensuring that every household, market, and street aligns with the state’s environmental goals.

As part of the action plan reached at the meeting, Wahab said Environmental Health Officers would work directly with the Lagos Waste Management Authority to strengthen enforcement and ensure prompt waste collection.

He added that the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency would support identified areas in Agege with greenery and beautification, while drainage engineers attached to the local government would provide technical assistance on flooding and channel maintenance.

“This partnership is a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility.

“Together, we can build the cleaner, safer, and more resilient Lagos we all deserve,” the commissioner added.

 

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Lagos To Boost Water Transportation With Electric-powered Ferries, Modern Jetties, Intelligent Ticketing Systems

The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Omi-Eko Project, an ambitious initiative designed to transform water transportation through electric-powered ferries, modern jetties, and intelligent ticketing systems.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently announced the project in a post on X, describing it as “another decisive step toward transforming transportation in Lagos.”

“The OMI-EKO Project strengthens our commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more efficient city where water becomes a true channel for mobility and opportunity,” Sanwo-Olu said.

According to the governor, the project will be implemented in two major phases.

Sanwo-Olu said the first focuses on inland waterways infrastructure, including the construction of 25 ferry terminals and jetties, 15 priority ferry routes, and the dredging and marking of 140 kilometres of water channels.

He said each terminal will also feature electric charging points, maintenance depots, and improved road connections to enhance intermodal access.

He said the second phase will focus on sustainable operations, with plans to deploy over 75 electric-powered ferries, introduce intelligent transport systems for ticketing and passenger information, and boost capacity development for the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

“For generations, Lagos has been defined by water, yet our roads have carried most of the city’s movement.

“The OMI-EKO Project changes that narrative through focused investment in modern water transport,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He added that the goal was to give Lagosians “more options to move safely and efficiently while easing congestion and supporting economic growth.”

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the project’s development partners, the French Development Agency, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank, for supporting the state’s push toward a sustainable, low-carbon transport system.

 

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Lagos To Host 2025 International Climate Change Summit

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the State’s commitment to advancing sustainable growth through innovation and investment in resilience as it hosts the 2025 International Climate Change Summit.

The 2025 Summit with the theme: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation”, billed to hold at the Lagos Continental Hotel between the 6th and 7th of November will attract global leaders, investors, climate scientists, and policy makers.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab quoted the Governor as noting that Lagos has continued to demonstrate leadership in subnational climate action and developing practical mechanisms for city-level climate finance.

The Governor reiterated that the State has also been developing blue bonds, and nature-based coastal protection projects that are shaping Africa’s next decade of sustainable urban development.

"As Africa’s fastest-growing coastal city, Lagos stands at the frontline of both climate risk and innovation. Her goal is to unlock sustainable financing that protects the people, builds resilience, and drives economic growth through the power of the blue economy,” he stated.

Setting the tone for the conference, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab said: “The Lagos International Climate Change Summit 2025 is more than a conference, it is a declaration that African cities can finance their own future,” 

“We invite global leaders, investors, and innovators to join Lagos as we redefine what coastal resilience looks like for the Global South,” he added.

The event will convene to accelerate action and investment in Africa’s coastal and ocean economies ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

The 2025 Summit which is the 11th in the series will serve as a strategic engagement platform for African and global stakeholders to align priorities, deepen partnerships, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations.

It will also spotlight blue economy financing as a key frontier for climate adaptation, innovation, and job creation in Africa just as discussions will centre on unlocking investment for ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, mangrove restoration, and coastal infrastructure through green and blended finance instruments.

The Summit will also highlight ongoing and pipeline projects supporting coastal resilience, environmental innovation, and sustainable livelihoods in Lagos.

Delegates and participants are expected to include representatives from: African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank and Eko Atlantic.

 

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Fleeing Suspects Abandon 32 iPhones, Five Laptops, Others In Ikeja

The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos police command, has recovered 75 mobile phones as well as five laptops believed to have been stolen around the Ikeja area of the state.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement to journalists in Lagos.

Ms Adebisi said that the recovery took place on October 5 at about 5:30 a.m. near Allen roundabouts in Ikeja.

She said that the RRS operatives on routine patrol had sighted two men carrying two large “Ghana Must Go” bags, who immediately took off upon noticing the police team.

“The suspects abandoned the bags and fled.

“Upon inspection, the operatives discovered 32 iPhones of different models, 38 other smartphones of various brands, including Samsung, Redmi, Tecno, and Honor.

“They also recovered five laptops, several smart wristwatches, AirPods, a Samsung Tab, a Sorapad, and a number of damaged phones,” she said.

According to her, the RRS commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, said that preliminary investigations showed that the items were stolen properties which were hastily abandoned by the suspects while fleeing from the police.

She said that the commander has urged members of the public who may have lost similar gadgets within Ikeja and its environs, to visit the RRS headquarters in Alausa, with verifiable proof of ownership, for identification and recovery

The spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the RRS operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.

“While commending the officers, CP Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to an intelligence-driven policing, proactive crime prevention, and sustained efforts to ensure the safety and security of residents across the state,” she said

 

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