30/07/2026
GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU PRESENTS LETTERS OF ALLOCATION TO 98 VILLAGES WITHIN ITO-OMU AND OTHER COMMUNITIES PROJECT AREA.
The Lagos State Government, through the Lands Bureau, the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA), and the Office of the State Surveyor General (OSSG), has presented Letters of Allocation to ninety-eight (98) villages within the Ito-Omu and Other Communities Project Area.
The presentation ceremony was held at the ongoing Ito-Omu Link Bridge Access Road, Sangotedo, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State and Chief Host, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, described the Ito-Omu and Other Communities Project as a legacy development initiative with the potential to surpass many existing cities in terms of planning, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the State Government had long envisioned the development of the project area, which informed the commencement of the construction of the bridge linking the area to Sangotedo. According to him, the strategic infrastructure will improve accessibility and facilitate the successful implementation of the Development Plan.
The Governor urged traditional rulers, including Obas and Baales, to align with the Lagos State Government's development guidelines in handling land matters following the presentation of the allocation letters. He congratulated all the beneficiary communities and encouraged them to continue working closely with the Government to ensure the successful implementation of the Development Plan.
He stated that through collaboration, the State would build a well-planned and prosperous new town that would benefit both present and future generations.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamar Olowosago, disclosed that the presentation fulfilled a promise made by the Lagos State Government during the first stakeholders' meeting with the communities in 2020 at the premises of the New Towns Development Authority in Allen, Ikeja.
He recalled that the Government had assured the communities that they would be fully involved throughout the planning and development process, adding that the promise had now become a reality through the presentation of the Letters of Allocation.
According to him, the gesture demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring that indigenous communities remain key stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of its transformational development projects.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Land Matters, Hon. Olayinka Eso Kazeem, welcomed participants and urged all stakeholders to embrace the Development Plan. He also appealed to the Government to ensure that host communities remain adequately informed about the project and benefit from employment opportunities and other socio-economic advantages associated with the development.
Dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Chairman Committee on rules and business, Hon. Naheem Adams; the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa; the Special Adviser, Office of the State Surveyor General, Surveyor Ayokunnu Adeshina; and the Onibeju of Ibeju-Lekki, HRM Oba Waliu Rasaki Olasunkanmi who commended Governor Sanwo-Olu, Lands Bureau, New Towns Development Authority, and the Office of the State Surveyor General for their vision and commitment to the project, noting that the initiative gives the indigenous communities a greater sense of belonging in the State's development agenda.
Presenting the project overview, the General Manager, New Towns Development Authority, Tpl. Olakunle Aboyeji, stated that the Lagos State Government, through the Authority, has continued to develop and manage several schemes aimed at addressing housing needs and promoting sustainable physical development across the State.
He explained that over the past five years, the Authority had undertaken extensive preliminary activities, culminating in the preparation of a comprehensive Land Use Plan for the project. According to him, Phase I comprises twenty-eight (28) communities covering approximately 6,300 hectares, while Phase II comprises seventy (70) communities covering approximately 10,000 hectares, bringing the total project area to 16,300 hectares, covering all ninety-eight (98) beneficiary communities in line with Government approval.
Tpl. Aboyeji further explained that the Ito-Omu Project Area is strategically located in the north-eastern part of Lagos State, spanning Ibeju-Lekki and Epe Local Government Areas. Geographically, the area is bounded by the Omu Creek to the south and west, the Lagos Lagoon to the north, and the Proposed International Airport and Aiyetoro Scheme to the east.
In her closing remarks and vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary, Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC), Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support and commitment to the project from its inception in 2020 to the present stage, where implementation of the Development Plan has commenced through the final settlement with the existing communities within the project area.
She also extended the greetings to the communities for their corporation during the course of the projects and to the government functionaries and all the Royal Fathers who graced the event.
