Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government has issued an April 15 deadline for allottees of landed properties in the new Government Reservation Area (GRA) Regeneration Scheme to begin processing their building plans and commence development on their allocated plots.
The Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, disclosed this over the weekend while inspecting newly constructed housing units in the Ibara GRA, Abeokuta. He warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in the revocation and reallocation of the plots to new subscribers.
“If they don’t process their building plan approvals and start development activities on those plots, the government will have no option but to revoke and re-allocate them. Each revocation will be handled in line with the agreements signed at the time of allocation,” Omoniyi stated.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration aims to transform the GRA from a slum into a smart city, with 250 to 300 housing units expected to be completed by the end of the year. Omoniyi emphasized that delays by allottees could hinder this vision.
The commissioner outlined plans for essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, road networks, security, drainage systems, and underground cables. The objective is to create an estate akin to Banana Island in Lagos, upgrading what was once a shanty settlement into a modern, smart city that future generations will be proud of.
He further revealed that the state government intends to replicate the Ibara GRA housing model in Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, and other locations. These new estates will be gated communities designed to safeguard residents and enhance property values, similar to developments in Bodija and Iyaganku in Oyo State.
“In the GRA Regeneration Scheme, Cluster One is already taking shape, with newly developed homes that align with Ogun State’s housing standards. We currently have 50 duplexes under construction, all set for completion before year-end. This project demonstrates the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to delivering on its promises. We have transformed what was previously a slum into a 21st-century residential estate that the next generation will cherish,” Omoniyi said.
He stressed the necessity of gated communities, citing examples from other Southwest states.
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“If you visit Bodija and Iyaganku in Oyo State or Ikeja GRA in Lagos, you will see that they are truly gated communities. That’s the only way we can safeguard lives and properties while also increasing the value of investments in these estates. We have received the governor’s approval to ensure that this GRA meets those standards.”
Omoniyi also highlighted the provision of basic infrastructure, including an 80,000-liter water scheme, walkways, underground electrical wiring with armored cables, and optic fiber networks for internet connectivity.
“For the entire district, we have designated spaces for schools, mosques, children’s play areas, and other essential amenities to support complete urban living,” he added.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl Tunji Odunlami, assured that the state government followed due process in acquiring permits for the housing units under the Ibara GRA Regeneration Scheme.
“The Ministry of Housing submitted all necessary drawings and plans for approval before any work commenced on-site. In the past, governments would embark on projects without obtaining house permits, simply because they were the government. However, this administration has ensured that due process is strictly followed,” Odunlami said.
The Ogun State Government remains committed to urban renewal and sustainable housing development, with the GRA Regeneration Scheme serving as a model for future residential projects across the state.
