Lagos commences move on construction of Ikotun-Isolo road intersection

.Engages stakeholders, assures adequate compensation

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has commenced stakeholders’ engagement on the proposed improvement works at the Ikotun Junction, covering the Ijegun Road, Isolo Road and Idimu Road intersection, as part of efforts to decongest and improve traffic flow, road connectivity, urban mobility in the area.

This comes amid interactable perennial gridlock at the axis which has defied several solutions, with traders and heaps of refuse taking over 60 per cent of the road thereby constituting obstruction to seamless traffic movement, with quality manhour loss on the part of motorists and other road users.

Speaking at the meeting on Friday, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat, Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, described the engagement as an important one, noting that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attaches great importance to transportation and traffic management.

Olumide said the proposed intervention would bring significant benefits to the local community by improving accessibility, easing congestion and creating a more organised environment for movement and commercial activities.

He also stressed the need for proper utilisation and management of informal spaces within the project area after completion, noting that such spaces should be integrated into the overall planning and development of the area to sustain the benefits of the intervention and prevent a return to uncoordinated activities.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, identified roadside trading and unregulated commercial activities as major contributors to the persistent traffic congestion along the Ikotun axis.

He explained that the project formed part of government’s broader efforts to address transportation challenges and make life easier for residents.

Osiyemi, assured stakeholders whose properties or legitimate interests might be affected by the project of adequate compensation in line with applicable government policies and procedures. He therefore called for maximum cooperation from affected persons, community leaders and other stakeholders to facilitate the smooth and timely execution of the project.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Mr. Olayinka Wasiu, also urged stakeholders to cooperate with the government and the project consultants, stressing that their support and constructive participation were essential to delivering the project within the expected timeframe.

He noted that the Lagos State Government would continue to pursue initiatives that would translate the dividends of democracy into tangible benefits for the people.

Responding, the Chairman, Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Comrade Lasisi Akinsanya, commended the State Government for the intervention, describing it as a timely response to the transportation and environmental challenges confronting the Ikotun community, assuring of his administration’s utmost cooperation throughout the duration of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers, the Onikotun of Ikotun Kingdom, Oba Azeez Asiwaju, who welcome the proposed project, described it as a significant development for the community.

He assured the government of the cooperation of the traditional institution and residents of the kingdom, while calling for continuous engagement with stakeholders throughout the implementation of the project.

The stakeholders acknowledged the importance of the intervention to the socio-economic development of the Ikotun axis, particularly in reducing traffic congestion, improving connectivity and promoting a more orderly environment for residents, businesses and commuters.

They also raised issues and made contributions towards ensuring minimal disruption during the construction period.

Other dignitaries at the meeting includes the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Engr. Adetunji Adeyemi, General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike, General Manager, Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Tpl. Daisi Oso, Directors from the Ministries of Transportation and Physical Planning and Urban Development, among others.

Among other dignitaries included: Monarchs, community leaders, market men and women, residents and other representatives of the host communities, providing an avenue for stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of the project, express concerns and contribute to discussions on its successful implementation.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, host communities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders in delivering the Ikotun Junction improvement works and ensuring that the intervention achieves its intended objectives of improving traffic management, enhancing mobility and promoting orderly physical development in the area.

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