Not to worry, Lagosians are known for their fortitude and ability to deal with changes by adapting and as such would not raise too much fuss until the project is completed. With the successful construction of the ten lane expressway, a new opportunity beckons for the least developed area of Lagos state, Badagry.
Badagry is the least developed section of the state and also probably the least populated. Every now and then we are reminded that one of the ideas behind building a new Lagos is to help with the dispersal of the huge population concentrated in the metropolis, thus decongesting the megacity. The decongestion philosophy gave birth to Eko Atlantic city. Whether we like it or not Eko Atlantic city is a prestigious initiative and anything prestigious is usually out of the reach of the poor or the working class.
However Eko Atlantic city must be commended as a project based on far reaching foresight. With the successful implementation of the project, the city of Lagos is meant and should give Manhattan and Dubai a run for their money. Being a status symbol, majority of those who are meant to be ushered out of the thick fog of urbanisation would find themselves not catered for. Badagry and its environs thus naturally offer people with low income or a lower social profile the opportunity of living in tranquillity away from the metropolis.
The successful implementation of rebuilding the city of Lagos must be linked with developing the potentials of Badagry by establishing a number of modern neighbourhoods. The establishment of low, Medium and probably high scale estates or probably building of a number of mini new towns in an integrated manner is a brilliant prospect. It needs to be emphasised however, that a well thought out urban renewal policy emanating from the government, which takes on board the development of new towns is the main antidote of getting the desired results.
Badagry is a good candidate for suburban development as a result of the light rail system which would emerge from the ten lane road construction, servicing Okokomaiko and adjourning areas within Badagry division. The greater part of Badagry is not directly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean unlike Lekki peninsula and embarking on a building project is potentially on a low costing ratio where the need for sand filling is greatly reduced. Most important of all is the fact that this section of the state is virgin land, where town planning implementation is easier to enforce.
The consideration of Badagry offering Lagosians the opportunity of living in good neighbourhoods without paying through their noses should be weighed against unnecessary political hanky panky and corruption. Millions of Lagosians and by extension Nigerians have always dreamed of having a decent home of their own, but such dreams have always been shot down. Government through this initiative has the rare opportunity to redeem itself, though Lagos government is not short of political goodwill at the moment.
The potentials which Badagry offers are much more than residential. The long coast line with its fascinating ocean-view is a natural magnet for the tourism and leisure industry. Resorts of different grades but of international standards if established would offer jobs for locals. Fishing has always been part and parcel of the local economy but this industry is still at its rudimentary stage. Bearing in mind the potentials in terms of output and monetary gains building on the existing fishing industry through the introduction of indigenous mechanized fishing and setting up seafood companies are attractive opportunities open to investors.
Badagry is noted primarily as an agricultural area. Farming though is still subsistence and primitive in practice. To uplift the prospect of agricultural activities in the area, investment is required in the form of mechanised farms, while local farmers are empowered through training in modern techniques and making credit available for expansion of small family holdings. The spinoff of what could be likened to an agricultural revolution would be the development and growth of a sustainable Agro allied industry, through food processing and manufacturing.
Badagry has for a long period of time had a sort of sleepy image and is often seen or perceived as the backwater of the state. This scenario may soon be coming to an end as the opening up of the ten lane corridor comes to life. The government however, must seize the opportunities unfolding before it by developing the potentials of the jewel in the crown of Lagos state.
Badagry is noted primarily as an agricultural area. Farming though is still subsistence and primitive in practice. To uplift the prospect of agricultural activities in the area, investment is required in the form of mechanised farms, while local farmers are empowered through training in modern techniques and making credit available for expansion of small family holdings. The spinoff of what could be likened to an agricultural revolution would be the development and growth of a sustainable Agro allied industry, through food processing and manufacturing.
Badagry has for a long period of time had a sort of sleepy image and is often seen or perceived as the backwater of the state. This scenario may soon be coming to an end as the opening up of the ten lane corridor comes to life. The government however, must seize the opportunities unfolding before it by developing the potentials of the jewel in the crown of Lagos state.
By: Olugbenga Adebanjo: Lead Consultant Beacon 6619 Media
No comments:
Post a Comment