COASTAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT: MINISTRY OF TOURISM ENGAGES IRU LAND STAKEHOLDERS
Top officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, led by the Commissioner for the Ministry, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka have sought the patience and understanding of residents of Iru area of the State, particularly those that would be affected by the Coastal Road Construction Project by the Federal Government.
Benson-Awoyinka made the plea during a Stakeholders Engagement session held at the Palace of the Paramount Traditional Ruler of Iru Land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iru Land.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja and other top officials of the Ministry, noted that the gathering aimed to discuss the imminent construction of the Coastal Road from Lagos to Calabar by the Federal Government and its potential impact on the community and local businesses.
The meeting, which brought together the Monarch, his White Cap Chiefs, Baales from Iru Land, and various stakeholders, provided an avenue for all those who would be affected by the construction work to deliberate on strategies for cooperation with the Government throughout the road construction.
The Commissioner as well as members of the Community expressed concern over the preservation of the tourism assets of the State along the coastal area, saying that the waterways constitute a larger part of Lagos Tourism.
The Commissioner further emphasised the significance of collaborative efforts in ensuring minimal disruption to the community’s daily activities while maximising the project’s benefits.
During the engagement session, concerns were raised regarding potential disruptions to local businesses, transportation routes, and job losses by thousands of youths whose source of livelihood is dependent on the beaches.
Addressing these concerns, Benson-Awoyinka gave the assurance on proactive measures that would be taken by both the Federal and the State Governments to mitigate these challenges and wants the people to be patient with the Government as the Coastal Road will also bring development to the area but comes at a price.
She assured that the Lagos State Government would not leave them to bear the burden alone and promised all the members of the Iru Community that their concerns about the road project would be presented to the State Governor who will also communicate the same to the Federal Government through appropriate quarters.
“Everything that we have discussed here today will be taken back to the Governor of Lagos State and whatever needs to be done will be done. We will look into how to get timely compensation for affected persons because the Lagos State Government will not leave the community members to bear any burden that comes with this project alone”, she added.
On his part, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Abisogun II expressed his gratitude for the engagement and reiterated the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the government and the community.
He praised the Honourable Commissioner for always being proactive in matters affecting the community and observed that the corridor is the most vibrant tourism site in Lagos, and as such, the Lagos State Government should come up with a bail-out or grant programme to mitigate the effects on the people.