Monday, October 27, 2025 - Lagos State government has commenced the payment of compensation to affected residents of Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area, in fulfilment of its earlier promise to those impacted by the ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme in the area.
The exercise, which began on October 23, 2025, was described
as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to humane and inclusive urban
development.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the palace of the traditional
ruler of Oworonshoki, the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal
Agency (LASURA), Olajide Animashaun, said the payment followed a series of
verification, engagement, and enumeration exercises carried out in
collaboration with community stakeholders.
According to Animashaun, the regeneration initiative became
necessary due to the proliferation of illegal and dilapidated structures within
Oworonshoki, many of which were built on drainage channels and waterways,
posing serious environmental and safety risks.
“Oworonshoki is one of the communities earmarked under
the state’s comprehensive urban renewal and regeneration plan. Many of the
affected structures were unsafe for habitation and constituted environmental
hazards. However, in line with the inclusive governance policy of Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the state made a commitment to compensate
verified affected residents and today, that promise is being fulfilled,”
Animashaun stated.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for
his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Lagosians,
noting that the payment exercise reflected the government’s sincerity and
accountability in implementing its urban renewal policies.
Animashaun also commended the Commissioner for Physical
Planning and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban
Development, Gbolahan Oki, for their dedication and tireless efforts toward the
realizations of the initiative.
The event was attended by representatives of the Oworonshoki
traditional council, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community
Development Council (CDC) members, civil society organizations, security
agencies, and the media.
It will be recalled that the Lagos State Government had, in
recent months, cleared several illegal and substandard structures across
Oworonshoki as part of efforts to reclaim right-of-way for drainage systems,
improve environmental conditions, and enhance public safety.
According to LASURA, a total of 79 beneficiaries were
verified for compensation, to be paid in two batches, with the first group
receiving their cheques on Thursday, while the second batch will be attended to
on Friday at the same venue.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed
gratitude to the state government for keeping its word.
One of them, Mrs Ajimoh Oyenuga, said: “The government gave
us this money as compensation for the houses demolished on Precious Street,
Oworonshoki. We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about
our well-being.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, added: “My house
was close to the water, and it wasn’t safe. The government promised to
compensate us, and today they have done it. I really appreciate this gesture,
promise made, promise kept.”
The LASURA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to
ensuring that urban renewal projects across Lagos are implemented with fairness
and transparency, while prioritising the welfare of residents and communities
affected by development projects
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