Lagos engages stakeholders on Badagry master plan review

•Commits to smart city development

The Lagos State government has started consultation with relevant stakeholders towards a review of the Badagry master plan.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, said the engagement follows the inauguration of a technical committee, which was an integral part of the process of bequeathing a sustainable plan for the area.

The forum attracted lawmakers, paramount rulers, chiefs, and community leaders within the Badagry division.

He explained that the review was necessary to ensure that the Operative Development Plan (OPS) continues to be relevant, reliable, and purposeful, adding that it will facilitate the transformation of the planned areas as envisioned in the goals of the plans.

Salako said the ongoing review would ultimately resolve lapses in the Operative Development Plan and retrofit it for greater achievement.

According to him, the review would further help align the development of the sub-region with the agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with the government for the execution of the project.

The representative of Vistaplan Consulting, the firm in charge of the project, Dr. Wale Alade said that by reviewing the plan, the government envisaged the future of the sub-region of the state, as an area with a sustainable environment, social inclusiveness, efficient transportation, and inter-connectivity.

The stakeholder unanimously welcomed the project but advised that issues such as government acquisition of land, village excision, security, environment, and social infrastructure must be factored into the review.

MEANWHILE, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako has reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State government to smart city concept and residential-commercial city.

Dr. Salako spoke during the unveiling of a 20-story Edmark city in Lagos. He said the government would welcome investors who share the government’s vision of smart city development to provide a liveable environment for the people.

He said: “smart city concept is a step towards the right direction. We played our role as government to make Edmark city come to life. Apart from the fact that this enhances the government agenda of developing a smart city, it will also provide opportunities for employment for our youths and serve as a revenue source for both the government and owners who will pay tax to the government. Living and working in the same place enhances livability and reduces pressure on our infrastructure.”

Speaking on the project, founder and chairman, Edmark City, Sam Low Ban Chai, said smart city development and technology can result in better living by improving safety, health, and the environment, reducing costs and boosting the economy.

Mr. Chai reiterated that Nigeria remains pivotal towards the growth of Edmark in Africa as the world embraces modernisation, and the firm remains committed to see Nigerians and communities prosper through Edmark’s vision and products that promote healthy well-being.

“As a means to give back to the people of Nigeria, Edmark remains in the country to continually contribute in infrastructure development and human resources. We see a long and bright future here in Nigeria. With the unveiling of Nigeria’s first-ever block-chained fuelled smart city development, we have marked a significant milestone in continuing efforts to create and build a space for a happy community in Nigeria.”

On his part Chief Operations Officer of Edmark in Nigeria, Bien Wapanio emphasised that Nigeria cannot afford to take the back seat as they transition to smarter cities is already happening in many places around the world.

He said: “According to a study, the global smart cities market will reach $237.6 billion in 2025. This projected growth demonstrates how seriously cities are taking the transition to become smart cities. In the coming years, we’ll see many new smart cities and innovations emerge. And we at Edmark aims to be part of this change towards a dream living future for all”

“This first of its kind iconic property is strategically located at Lagos Epe Express Road, Lekki Lagos, and it consists of a twin 20-story building with a supermarket on the ground floor, 13 floors for residential service apartments, another seven-story building for shops, office spaces, a 2,000 pax capacity event hall, showrooms, staff accommodations, and others.”