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Lagos govt defends move to relocate Computer Village

Computer village

Published By: Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, has defended the move by the State Government to relocate the Computer village from Ikeja to Katangua area of the state.

Speaking during an on-site evaluation of Computer Village in Ikeja on Tuesday Babatunde said the relocation was in line with urban renewal plan of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to uphold and restore Lagos’ master plan, which has been subject to degradation and distortion.

Babatude said the new location of Computer Village features modern amenities such as schools, hospitals, hotels, and banking facilities.

“The relocation of computer village presently in Ikeja to Kantagua in Abule- Egba area of the state is in progress and when fully completed will boast of world class facilities such as schools, hospitals, clinics, hotels, banking facilities, warehouses, storage rooms, amongst others which will make shopping more conducive and befitting of the mega city status as envisage by the Governor and as obtained in other modern cities of the world.”

This move aims to create a more conducive shopping environment, aligning with the vision of Lagos as a mega city.

Highlighting the discrepancy between the current commercial activities in Computer Village and its designated residential status, Dr. Babatunde emphasized the importance of restoring the area’s original plan.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to proper urban regeneration and development, in line with the THEMES+ agenda.

“ We are trying to do things in proper ways that will ensure that urban centers are re-generated, re-developed, innovated, conserved in line with the THEMES+ agenda of present administration”

Furthermore, Dr. Babatunde clarified that the State Government has not altered the land use designation of Computer Village, which remains a residential area.

He emphasized the necessity of adhering to zoning regulations and outlined plans to develop Katangua into a model market for the traders’ relocation.

“The Computer Village Area still remains a Residential Area and its Land Use has not been changed by the State Government and this is the main reason the government is relocating the traders to Katangua for proper settlement

“If the rules say it is a residential area then it must remain a residential area, therefore, the government has to make provision and also accommodate the people who are in this area and that is the reason why the State Government is developing Katangua into a model market”

Recognizing the potential repercussions of Lagos’ rapid growth on urban spaces, Dr. Babatunde stressed the significance of relocating Computer Village to a more spacious area to mitigate traffic and other related issues.

Assuring transparency and stakeholder involvement, Dr. Babatunde stated that the relocation process will include consultations with market associations and property owners.

He also emphasized that the urban redevelopment efforts extend beyond Computer Village, with anticipated benefits including reduced traffic congestion and improved security.

Accompanying Dr. Babatunde on the assessment tour were senior officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency, led by General Manager Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki.