The Lagos State Government has underscored the importance of innovation and inter-agency collaboration in advancing people-focused urban development across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, made the call during the management retreat of the Office of Urban Development, held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja.
The retreat was themed “Transforming Urban Spaces: Putting People First.”
Dr. Babatunde explained that the retreat was designed to align the agency’s efforts with the state’s urban development vision, strengthen institutional capacity, and foster citizen-oriented approaches to managing Lagos’ dynamic urban spaces.
He urged officers of the Office of Urban Development, including staff of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), to embrace change, innovation, and technology in order to deliver a more functional and sustainable urban environment.
“To mark a strategic milestone in our pursuit of people-centric urban development in Lagos, we must act as one indivisible unit, think outside the box, and embrace geospatial intelligence and digital tools that make our cities responsive to the needs of Lagosians,” Babatunde said.
He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for establishing the Office of Urban Development to promote focus, professionalism, and specialisation in tackling urbanisation challenges, stressing that this vision must be matched with results.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, reaffirmed the office’s commitment to ensuring urban spaces that foster inclusivity, safety, and prosperity.
He emphasised the need for effective building control, urban regeneration, citizen participation, and robust collaboration among agencies.
The retreat, held two years after the office was created, also featured presentations from experts and stakeholders.
Notable speakers included Dr. Muiz Banire, former Commissioner for the Environment, who spoke on citizen-focused urban development; Mr. Bode Pedro, CEO of Casava Insurance, who highlighted the importance of building insurance enforcement; and Mr. AbdulKabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, who discussed the office’s role in boosting state revenue.
Other contributors included Dr. Kamal Azar, Chairman of GIS Transport, who explored GIS applications in land administration; Mr. Victor Akinpelumi, Managing Director of Lagosnet, who gave updates on digital planning processes; and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning, e-GIS, and Urban Development, among others.
With guidance from retreat consultant Ms. Toyin Adewunmi, focus areas included wellness and productivity for optimal performance, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and team bonding, all aimed at improving cohesion and aligning with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda for urban transformation.
