Lagos State Government has formally allocated land to 98 existing communities in the Ito-Omu axis and adjoining areas as part of a broader development plan to manage the state’s rapid expansion and provide infrastructure and investment opportunities in the area.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the allocation letters to representatives of the communities on Wednesday at the Ito-Omu Link Bridge, Sangotedo, saying the exercise was designed to ensure that established communities remained part of Lagos’ planned urban development.

The governor said the initiative followed extensive consultations, surveys, and mapping undertaken by the state government since 2021 to document existing settlements and incorporate them into the area’s development framework.

He said the communities had deep historical and economic ties to the Epe axis, with residents contributing to the area through farming, fishing, trading and other activities.

“These are communities with deep roots in this part of Lagos. For generations, families have lived here, farmed, fished, traded, raised their children and contributed to the heritage and economic life of the Epe axis. Their history is part of the history of Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

According to the governor, the allocation process involved consultations with traditional rulers, Baales, chiefs, community leaders and residents, followed by site inventory surveys and mapping and the preparation of a comprehensive development plan by the New Towns Development Authority.

He said the process had now culminated in the formal recognition of the 98 communities within the project area.

“For us, this event is about much more than land. It is about recognition, and about giving each community a secure place in the physical future of Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said the development plan would guide the expansion of the rapidly developing area by integrating residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and recreational land uses.

He added that the approach would enable the government to provide infrastructure more efficiently, attract investment, and improve residents’ quality of life.

“The future of Lagos cannot be built on unplanned expansion. It must be built on deliberate planning, appropriate infrastructure, secure communities and opportunities for our people to prosper,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the development of Ito-Omu and its neighbouring communities was part of the state’s wider effort to ensure that Lagos’ expansion was inclusive and did not leave established communities behind.

“As Lagos continues to expand and attract people, businesses and investment, we must ensure that growth is not simply about how much we build, but how well we plan, how fairly we develop, and how many people we carry along,” he said.

He assured residents that the allocation letters would provide formal recognition of their communities and help secure their place as development continues across the axis.

“The letters being presented today are, therefore, more than official documents. They are a recognition of your place in the future we are building here, and an assurance that, as this area develops, your communities will not be forgotten,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the state would continue working towards opening up the communities through improved road access, drainage and social infrastructure.

He also said the planned Ito-Omu Waterfront Jetty would strengthen connectivity and ease movement for residents while supporting economic activity in the area.

“These are the kinds of interventions that will turn this plan from a document into a living, thriving community, creating new opportunities for investment, employment and improved living conditions,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He urged residents and community leaders to work with relevant government agencies to ensure that development remained orderly, sustainable and respectful of the heritage of the communities.

Sanwo-Olu also commended the Lands Bureau, New Towns Development Authority, Office of the State Surveyor-General, consultants and other stakeholders for their roles in completing the planning process.

He said the state’s objective was to ensure that the expansion of Ito-Omu and adjoining communities was deliberate and people-centred.

“Our task is to ensure that the growth of Ito-Omu and its neighbouring communities is not accidental, but planned, purposeful and people-centred.

“That is how we will build not only new developments, but communities in which people can live with dignity, businesses can thrive, and future generations can look back and say that we planned wisely for them,” the governor said.