LAGOS LANDS BUREAU HOLDS COMPENSATION PAYMENT OVER PROPOSED NYSC CAMP RELOCATION

By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Lands Bureau, has commenced the payment of compensation to Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) whose properties and interests are affected by the proposed relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp from Ipaja to Odo-Ayandelu/Ota-Ikosi, Agbowa, in the Epe axis of the state.
The compensation exercise, which forms part of the government’s efforts to facilitate the acquisition and development of the proposed NYSC Orientation Camp site, brought together government officials, community leaders, affected property owners and other stakeholders.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that individuals and communities whose land, buildings, businesses or other legitimate interests are affected by the proposed development receive appropriate compensation in line with relevant government policies and applicable laws.

Speaking at the event, the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago said the exercise underscores the government’s commitment to due process, fairness and transparency in the acquisition of land for public infrastructure projects. He noted that the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu gave the approval for payment immediately after the meeting held based on the pressing needs.
Mr. Kamar Olowoshago further explained that the proposed relocation of the NYSC Orientation Camp was part of efforts to provide a more suitable and functional environment for the orientation and training of corps members serving in Lagos State.
However, the officials assured affected property owners that the government recognises the need to protect their rights and interests, noting that the compensation process was designed to properly identify eligible PAPs and ensure they are duly compensated.

The government also called for continued cooperation between affected communities and relevant government agencies to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.
The proposed site at Odo-Ayandelu/Ota-Ikosi, Agbowa, is expected to provide an alternative location for the NYSC Orientation Camp while supporting the Lagos State Government’s broader development plans for the Epe axis.
The compensation exercise is considered a major step towards the commencement of the proposed development, while addressing concerns arising from the acquisition of privately held properties and other interests.
Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development appreciated the monarchs present and ensure that the monarchs get what is rightly theirs. He said, he would continue to support the development of youths by ensuring that the youths of Odo-Ayandelu get job employment when the construction process commences.
HRM. Oba Aderibigbe Asunmo, Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu Kingdom advised the beneficiaries to invest in lucrative business like the transportation business and not squander the money unnecessarily, thereby improving the economic situation of Odo-Ayandelu kingdom.
Some beneficiaries commended the state government for recognising their interests and commencing the compensation process. They, however, urged the government to maintain regular engagement with affected communities throughout the implementation of the project.
Stakeholders at the event also noted the potential socio-economic benefits of the proposed NYSC camp to host communities, including improved infrastructure, increased commercial activities and employment opportunities.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to executing public projects responsibly while giving due consideration to the rights and welfare of residents.
The commencement of compensation payments to PAPs marks another step towards facilitating the proposed relocation of the NYSC Orientation Camp and advancing infrastructure development in the Epe axis of Lagos State.
