By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State Government, through the State Urban Renewal Agency, has commenced the payment of compensation to residents displaced by the recent demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, Kosofe Local Government Area.
Speaking during the presentation of cheques to affected residents at the Oloworo Palace on Thursday, the agency’s General Manager, Town Planner Oladimeji Ayinde Saheed Animashaun, said 79 persons formed the first batch of beneficiaries, while preparations were ongoing for the release of a second batch.
Animashaun explained that the payment followed the completion of enumeration of affected properties, in line with the promise made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Today is a good day in the sense that the promise made by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is being fulfilled. Oworonshoki is one of the areas identified for regeneration because the living conditions were no longer sustainable,” Animashaun said.
He noted that the agency, in collaboration with community leaders, had documented the identities and property details of affected residents before the demolition exercise.
The town planner also commended the state’s leadership in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, particularly the Permanent Secretary, Architect Gbolahan Oki, for ensuring that the compensation process was properly implemented.
“Government can make provisions, but if they are not well planned, the outcomes may not be successful. I am happy today that our efforts are yielding results,” he added.
Beneficiaries Appreciate Lagos Government
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the government for keeping its promise, though they noted that the compensation was insufficient to cover the full cost of their demolished properties.
Mrs. Ajimo Oyenuga, a resident of Precious Street, said the payment would at least help affected families start afresh.
“This compensation cannot replace what we lost, but we can still use the money to do something. We thank the government for remembering us,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olaide Fatimo Onaade, lauded the government for fulfilling its word and urged that the next batch of payments be released quickly.
“I’m happy that they didn’t just promise us and fail to deliver. I only hope the remaining people will be paid soon,” she added.
Compensation Categories
Findings by KosofePost revealed that beneficiaries were compensated according to the type of structures affected.
Owners of shanty houses, popularly called Precious Seed, reportedly received between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000, while owners of brick buildings were paid between ₦1 million and ₦5 million, depending on size and location.
The government has assured that all verified property owners affected by the Oworonshoki demolition will be compensated before the end of the exercise.