LASG URGES NEW APPROACH IN PURSUIT OF PEOPLE-CENTRIC URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The Lagos State Government has emphasised the need for innovative approaches and inter-agency collaboration to drive people-centric urban development in the State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, made this call recently during the management retreat of the Office of Urban Development, themed: "Transforming Urban Spaces: Putting People First.", held at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja.
Dr. Babatunde said that the objective of the retreat was to align team efforts with Lagos State’s urban development vision, improve capacities for holistic, citizen-oriented urban development and foster collaboration for innovative solutions in managing Lagos’ dynamic urban spaces.
He charged functionaries of the Office of Urban Development, including officers of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) to embrace change and do things differently to achieve better results to the benefit of a functional and sustainable Lagos 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, act differently, and embrace technology and people-centric approaches", he said.
He emphasised that harnessing geospatial intelligence and digital tools was pivotal to creating urban spaces that would be responsive to the needs of Lagosians, adding that the essence of the retreat was to enhance capacity and better position the Office to address urbanisation and attendant urban development challenges in a more civilised manner.
He stated that the deliberate effort of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in creating the Office of Urban Development to enhance focus, specialisation and professionalism must be rewarded with satisfactory performance.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, reaffirmed the office’s commitment to prioritising citizens’ needs in urban development initiatives.
"Our mandate is clear: to ensure urban spaces that foster inclusivity, safety, and prosperity while putting people at the heart of Lagos' urban transformation", he said.
He added that achieving this mandate required effective building control, urban regeneration and citizen participation as well as inter-agency collaboration.
The retreat featured a lineup of esteemed speakers including Dr. Muiz Banire, former Commissioner for the Environment, who discussed citizen-focused urban development; Mr. Bode Pedro, CEO of Casava Insurance, highlighted the importance of enforcing building insurance in Lagos State, while Mr. AbdulKabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, spoke about the Office of Urban Development's role in revenue generation.
Dr. Kamal Azar, Chairman of GIS Transport, explored the application of GIS technology in land administration and urban development in Lagos State; Victor Akinpelumi, Managing Director of Lagosnet, provided updates on the state's digital planning process and additional insights were shared by Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning, e-GIS, and Urban Development, Hon. Adewale Adedeji, and Hon. Jubril Abdukareem.
Other notable speakers included Tpl. Oladimeji Animashaun, General Manager of LASURA, and Builder Florence Gbaye, Coordinating Director of LASBCA.
Held approximately two years into the establishment of the Office of Urban Development, the retreat brought key stakeholders and team members for critical reflections and engagements aimed at enhancing productivity, cohesion, and strategic alignment with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government in transforming Lagos' urban landscape.
Retreat focus areas under the guidance of the consultant, Ms. Toyin Adewunmi, include
Wellness and Productivity as Strategies to enhance team well-being for optimal performance, Emotional Intelligence, Building awareness and skills for effective leadership and collaboration, team bonding and strengthening intra-office relationships for collective impact, among others.
More photos below.
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