By: Tijani Salako.
The Lagos State Government has commenced stakeholder engagement on the proposed Ikotun Junction Improvement Project as part of efforts to improve traffic flow, road connectivity and urban mobility along the busy Ikotun axis.
The engagement, which focused on the Ijegun Road, Isolo Road and Idimu Road intersection, was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, which said the stakeholder meeting was aimed at securing community support for the smooth execution of the project.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attached great importance to transportation and traffic management across the state.
He noted that the proposed intervention would improve accessibility, ease traffic congestion and create a more organised environment for residents, commuters and businesses operating within the Ikotun corridor.
Olumide also stressed the need for proper management of informal spaces within the project area after completion, saying such spaces should be integrated into the overall development plan to prevent a return to unregulated activities.
Representing the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, identified roadside trading and other unregulated commercial activities as major causes of persistent gridlock around Ikotun.
He said the junction improvement project formed part of the government’s broader strategy to address transportation challenges and improve the quality of life for residents.
Musa assured stakeholders whose properties or legitimate interests might be affected by the project that compensation would be paid in line with government policies and procedures, urging affected persons and community leaders to cooperate with the authorities.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, also called on stakeholders to support the government and project consultants to ensure timely delivery of the project.
Chairman of Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Lasisi Ayinde Akinsanya, described the intervention as a timely response to the transportation and environmental challenges facing the community and pledged the council’s support throughout the implementation.
Also speaking, the Onikotun of Ikotun Kingdom, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju, welcomed the proposed works and assured the state government of the cooperation of the traditional institution and residents.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including traditional rulers, community leaders, market men and women, residents and government officials, welcomed the project and made recommendations aimed at minimising disruption during the construction period.
The state government said the engagement underscored the importance of collaboration between government and host communities in delivering the project and achieving its objectives of improved traffic management, enhanced mobility and orderly physical development in the area.
