LASPPPA PLANS SUMMIT TO DEEPEN ENGAGEMENT WITH STAKEHOLDERS 

… Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Others To Chair Discussions On Sustainable Development 
… Embarks on Sensitization Walk Around Ikeja, Environs to Promote Event 

The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) is intensifying its publicity efforts for the upcoming two-day summit, themed: “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity,” designed to deepen its engagement with relevant stakeholders in the built sector. 

This summit scheduled for October 15-16, 2024, at Eko Hotels & Suites, aims to bring together key stakeholders, including urban planners, architects, developers, and government officials, to explore innovative strategies for shaping the future of Lagos as a sustainable, well-coordinated megacity. 

The event, which will focus on fostering regional integration, enhancing infrastructure development, and promoting responsible urban growth to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding population proceeded with a sensitisation Roadshow held on Thursday from Ikeja to Ikoyi areas of the State.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, who received LASPPPA officials in his office during the Roadshow, alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Oluwole Sotire commended the Authority for its proactive approach to public engagement. 

Speaking on the forthcoming Summit, Oluyinka said, “We want the populace to have a deeper understanding of all our activities, plans and processes of developing our master plans. Beyond that, we want to be facing reality now by focusing on the essence of these plans. They are meant to be implemented within a certain period and in line with the set years, like 10 or 20 years, hence the need for us to set targets for ourselves to know what we have achieved within the certain stipulated period. 

He informed that the execution of these plans should not be the exclusive preserve of the government alone; members of the public must be involved in the entire process, adding that the Ministry, through the Summit, is also planning to explore the possibilities of getting foreign investors in the execution and implementation of the plans. 

“The future of Lagos as a regional hub depends on the involvement and understanding of all stakeholders, including residents, professionals, and the private sector. LASPPPA’s efforts in promoting this event will significantly enhance participation and awareness”, the Commissioner stated. 

Also contributing, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Sotire noted that the state government wants all stakeholders in the built sector to appreciate, understand and own the plans, which according to him are for the future while noting that the Summit, which is the first of its kind, will now be held annually, and a yearly review will be carried out to know and monitor progress made. 

The General Manager of LASPPPA, Tpl Kehinde Osinaike, also emphasised the importance of the summit in shaping the future of Lagos. According to him, “The summit will provide a unique platform for experts, policymakers and the general public to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of Lagos. It is an opportunity to rethink the direction of our city’s development and ensure that we are on track to becoming a fully integrated and sustainable megacity.”

On his part, the Head of the Department of Monitoring and Compliance, Tpl Iyiola Olarinde, highlighted the impact of the Roadshow in increasing public awareness.

In his words: “We felt it was necessary to complement the media campaigns with this Roadshow, which allows us to engage directly with residents and businesses across Lagos. While the Ministry has disseminated information through print and electronic media and placed adverts on billboards across key locations, this grassroots approach ensures that we reach as many people as possible”/

The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will be the Chief Host of the Summit while a former Lagos State Governor and past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, is expected to bring his wealth of experience in urban planning and infrastructure development to bear as the keynote address presenter at the event. 

The summit will attract a wide range of stakeholders, including urban planners, architects, government officials, and members of the public.