Housing: Sanwo-Olu Commissions ‘Love Garden’, Apatira Lauds Governor

Vincent John

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, commissioned the Love Garden Housing Scheme, a 20-unit two-bedroom apartments in Surulere, Lagos.

The Governor also commissioned a vocational training centre also located in Surulere.

The 2,719.30m square mini-housing scheme was built by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the commissioned housing scheme would not only provide accommodation for residents, he noted that major security threat in the neighbourhood has also been solved.

According to the Governor, the projects further reiterate the commitment of his administration to urban and infrastructural renewal.

He however commended the LSDPC and SUBEB, two agencies whose collaboration led to the development.

He said, “The land on which this project is sited used to be a security liability for residents in the neighbourhood. It was previously a massive school compound before the pupils were moved to another site.

Consequently, the property was taken over by people of questionable character, who committed all sorts of atrocities and constituted threats to the peace of residents. We had a conversation with SUBEB for the conversion of this fallow asset into a living asset.

“Today, the elegantly designed residential edifice is the outcome of the collaboration between LSDPC and SUBEB. We have created an enabling environment for Government agencies to collaborate with the private sector in order to reduce the housing needs of our people.

Now, the beneficiaries of this scheme can raise their family in this nice ambience and serene environment. Community members will also live in harmony, as we have eliminated a major threat to their peace.”

Sanwo-Olu said the provision of safe and comfortable housing schemes for the citizens remain a key objective of his administration, noting that the intervention has helped to raise the standard of living of Lagosians.

He said the State Government remained committed to scaling up access to safe and convenient housing while strengthening partnerships with the private sector to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More housing projects, the Governor assured, will be inaugurated before the end of the year.

He charged beneficiaries to maintain the structure and encourage activities that would sustain the investment.

“For residents living in this neighbourhood, this development presents an opportunity to key into the State Government’s urban regeneration programme. We must join hands to ensure the mega status of Lagos is sustained,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Reacting to the giant strides, Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon (Dr) Ahmed Olanrewaju Apatira commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his relentless efforts towards transforming the state.

He stated that apart from the commissioned housing scheme suppressing the housing deficit in the state and edging out insecurity in the neighbourhood, Governor Sanwo-Olu, through the Vocational and skill acquisition centre, has provided a platform where the youths could empower and equip themselves with productive skills.

The council helmsman expressed his immense gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for transforming and changing the face of Surulere and indeed Lagos state.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, LSDPC, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, said the housing scheme was built to reflect simplicity and elegance.

He disclosed that the apartments have dedicated uninterrupted power source in addition to being connected to the national grid.

Speaking on the Vocational Centre which was also built by the LSDPC, Joseph said it is to aid the State Government’s efforts at empowering and equipping young people with modern skills.

“I salute the level of cooperation displayed by the SUBEB management during the period of discussion to change the use of the property and rights to acquire it. Today, the outcome has become a win-win situation for both the LSDPC and SUBEB,” Joseph said.

Lagos state Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, assured that the government would deliver additional housing projects in different parts of the state within the next few months.

He said: “Today’s commissioning of the Love garden housing scheme is the beginning of other housing projects coming. With sense of determination and unequivocal commitment to serve the public cause, we will like to assure Lagosians that, in the next few months, ongoing housing schemes in other parts of the state will be concluded ”

Mr Akinderu-Fatai said the Sanwo-Olu administration is poised to deliver liveable accommodation with modern infrastructure in line with the administration’s smart city programme of the State.

He reiterated that the Lagos Government would continue to promote urban harmony and set new standards for property development.

Facilities in the mini scheme include a security section, water system, expansive car parking space and electricity supply system.

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