Lagos State Government has revealed its intention to commence work at the Katangowa ICT Business Park, in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area before the end of 2017.
The project is the proposed site for the relocation of Computer Village Market in Ikeja, a highly-patronised market for a wide range of technology products ranging from phones, laptops and other gadgets.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum held on Tuesday at the Council Secretariat, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Abiola Anifowoshe declared that the purpose of the meeting, the second in its series, is to keep stakeholders abreast of Government’s plan to ensure that concerned parties are carried along.
The Commissioner said the meeting was a follow-up to an earlier forum organized a few months ago to sensitize and get the buy-in of the Landlords, traders and other stakeholders, adding that the ICT Park would be a world class project comparable to any other park in the world.
While assuring the people of the commitment of the State government to ensuring their socio-economic development through such projects, Anifowoshe informed that the project, in addition to the newly commissioned Abule-Egba Bridge, will enhance the value of properties and transform all economic activities in the area.
He, however, pleaded with stakeholders to support the project as the interest of the landlords, market men and women, and current occupants of the market will be protected, stressing that Government will provide them with a temporary site for their businesses before work fully starts at the park.
He said, “The project will be constructed on a 15-hectare land space, and will not only accommodate the computer village complex but also include modern facilities like community market of 520 lock-up shops, 260 open shops, 120-flat apartments and a hotel.”
“The proposed park will also accommodate over 6000 people with all necessary facilities in place and adequate security,” he added.
Anifowoshe, therefore, implored the stakeholders with genuine documents and claims to register with the Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA for relocation and compensation as the State officials will soon commence facility stock-taking in the market.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Boladele Dapo-Thomas assured the people of Government’s cooperation and trust, urging the stakeholders to be on the lookout for government notice that will be served when the project is about to commence so that they go to the LCDA with their ownership documents for appropriate compensation where necessary.
