Olakunle Michael Oladipupo, the chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos State Chapter, has said the planned relocation of Computer Village from Ikeja to Katangowa could stimulate growth and development in the new site, if properly executed.
Speaking to BusinessDay, in reaction to the state government’s renewed push to move the popular ICT hub, Oladipupo noted that traders had grown accustomed to the present Ikeja location but acknowledged that moving the market could transform Katangowa into a thriving business district.
“We have been hearing about this relocation for like five to ten years now. Many people have actually become accustomed to Computer Village. But when such a market is moved to a new area, that place too will be developed. That is what government is looking at,” he said.
Earlier this week, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, the permanent secretary of the Office of Urban Development met with traders to discuss the relocation plan.
Read also: LASG meets computer village traders on relocation to Katangowa
Oki said the meeting with traders was the first in 15 years, stressing that it reflected governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive that the process must be inclusive and transparent.
Oki disclosed that the new Katangowa ICT and Business Park will feature modern facilities, including hotels, banks, recreation centres, car parks, a fire station, a police post and access roads. According to him, Ikeja’s original plan as a residential area had been distorted by business expansion, while Katangowa would provide a more organised and conducive business environment.
He appealed to traders to support the relocation, stop trading on the streets and cooperate with the government to address congestion and drainage issues in Ikeja.
Abisola Azeez, the Iyaloja of Computer Village, welcomed the initiative and thanked governor Sanwo-Olu, saying the new site would enhance the market’s potential and provide better opportunities for traders and customers.
