In furtherance of the present
administration’s commitment to the transformation of Oshodi and expansion of
business opportunities in the state, market leaders and traders at
Mosafejo Market in Oshodi Isolo Local Government Area of the State on Thursday
day agreed with the plan of the State Government to redevelop the area.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting
with officials of the Ministry of
Physical Planning and Urban Development in Alausa, the traders and
market leaders said they were in total support of the plans of the State
Government to regenerate Oshodi and by extension Mosafejo Market into a
standard transport interchange and more befitting market.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development,
Tpl. AnifowosheAbiola speaking during the meeting said that the strong need, to
redevelop the area arose consequent upon the State Governments
commencement of the urban
regeneration of Oshodi, which will see the area transformed into a world class
Central Business District (CBD) by the State Government
According
to the Commissioner, the redevelopment will drive commerce and investment into
Oshodi, urging the traders to embrace the plan "just as the case with most
urban regeneration in other parts of the world the extent of what Government is
doing for the traders may not be immediately appreciated "but upon
completion you will realise that the value of your business and your quality of
life would have improved tremendously" he said
He added , that Government will
assist the affected shops owners to get alternative shops and maintain their
businesses
The market leaders and traders who
also consented to the redevelopment commended the magnanimity of State
Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and pleaded that Government should pay
compensation so as to enable them rent new shops, resettle and re-commence
their normal businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the traders,
the deputy Baba Oja of Mosafejo Market, LukmanIshola said “We also wish to
express our gratitude to the State Government under the leadership of His
Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for his magnanimity and prompt response.
The Secretary of the Curtain Section
in the market Mr Ben Akuya was particularly appreciative of the compassionate
efforts of the State Government for the decision to pay compensation to
the shop owners. "Honestly I don't know how to appreciate this Government
,I am very impressed with this meeting; People have been sceptical because of
the history of past governments. This Government is compassionate enough to
carry us along" he said. He however appealled to the State
Government to give them till December 2016.
The Iya-Oja, Mrs Kehinde
Esther said the market executives has dialogued and agreed with the State
Government on the redevelopment plan and there is no form of resentment from the traders, they are excited about
the plan. She thanked
Governor Ambode for the decision to compensate the shop owners, assuring that
the traders will cooperate with the Government to ensure the success of the
project which according to her would help increase the economic growth,
provide better infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion in Oshodi.
Special
Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule who while
speaking during the meeting, said the concept of the regeneration of Oshodi is
premised on a three pronged approach including Urban Renewal, Environmental
Regeneration as well as Transformation and Security.
She said for Government to consider
payment of compensation to the traders shows the present administration's
compassion and concern for the welfare of the people that will be affected by
the urban regeneration and renewal plans in Oshodi
She
also expressed optimism that on completion, the project would be of immense
benefit to all Lagosians, especially major stakeholders including traders,
passengers, transport unions, transport operators as well as shop owners. She
noted that "Redevelopment of Oshodi will greatly
enhance the security of lives and properties in the neighbourhood".
Sole Administrator, Oshodi/Isolo
Local Government Shamsideen Oloyede added that the list of the affected shops
owners has been collated by the Local Government in collaboration with the with
the market association. He added that all the documentation had been verified
for authenticity of the owners and the list forwarded to the Ministry.
He applauded Governor Akinwunmi
Ambode's administration policy of inclusiveness describing it as a government
that is committed to ameliorating the suffering and pains of the Lagosians
irrespective of status.
It is important to note that the
State Government conceived the idea in order to provide Lagos with world-class,
business, transport, recreational and other facilities that will measure up to
what is obtainable in other mega cities of the world.
Work has already commenced on the
Oshodi Transport Interchange. When completed the project will have
facilities such as International Bus Terminals, Shopping/Business Malls,
Local bus Interchange, Theme Parks, Car Parks and other facilities that will
add to a Modern City Lifestyle.
The meeting was attended by
Executives of the various Associations and sectional leaders well as the
traders, and Senior Government Officials led by the Honourable Commissioner
(MPP&UD), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development,
Permanent Secretary (MPP&UD),Sole Administrator, Oshodi/Isolo Local
Government and other Council Officials
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