The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has taken decisive action to assist residents of 15 buildings marked for demolition in the Iponri Low-Cost Housing Estate, Surulere, Lagos. This intervention follows the Lagos State Building Control Agency’s (LSBCA) identification of these dilapidated structures as posing significant risks of collapse, endangering the lives of their occupants.
An emergency community stakeholders meeting, organized by Gbajabiamila, served as a platform for discussing the urgent situation. He was represented by Fuad Laguda, the lawmaker for the Surulere 1 federal constituency, and Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, the Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Housing. The meeting also featured the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Suleiman Bamidele Yusuf, and other local leaders.
During the meeting, Laguda announced that Gbajabiamila would provide financial support to assist the occupants in their relocation efforts. Each of the 90 apartments will receive N1 million to facilitate their transition to safer rental housing options within Surulere. Laguda urged residents to organize their belongings promptly and initiate the relocation process, emphasizing the need for a timely move to accommodate the planned demolition by the Lagos State government.
“The safety and welfare of our community members are paramount,” Laguda stated. “Our leader, Gbajabiamila, understands the difficult situation you and your households are facing following this necessary action by LABSCA, which is aimed at ensuring your safety.”
In her remarks, Odunuga expressed the Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to ensuring that Lagosians live in safe and secure environments. She reassured residents of their support during this transition, thanking Gbajabiamila for his unwavering commitment to the Surulere community.
Gbajabiamila reiterated his dedication to the well-being of his constituents, promising to advocate for their needs and provide assistance in any capacity within his reach.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all parties to work together to secure a safe future for the residents of the Iponri Low-Cost Housing Estate.
