The Lagos State Government has said it was relocating the popular Ikeja Computer Village to Katangowa in Abule-Egba area of the state.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, the electronic gadgets is currently located in a residential area.
Speaking, on Tuesday, during a visit to the the market alongside officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, law enforcement agencies and other relevant government bodies, Babatunde disclosed that by law, the Ikeja Computer Village is currently located in a residential area, hence the proposed relocation to Abule Egba, which was delayed due to some reasons that are already being addressed.
According to him: “Where the Computer Village is located is, was, and will continue by law to be a residential area, hence we must follow the law. Katangowa is the area designated (for such activity) by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, particularly the Office of Physical Planning.
“We chose Katangowa because of the good road network, we are certain that we are not going to be having traffic problems once Katangowa is ready to receive the people from Computer Village. The expanse of land is such that when you drive in, the person would get lost because of how huge the place is, it is not something that was not well thought of, it is within the model city plan for the area.
“We are moving the village into a place where their business would thrive while maintaining the status quo, Ikeja Computer Village was a residential area before, it is presently, and I think it will continue to be a residential area., we must ensure that things are being done according to the law, since the law states that it is a residential area, it should remain as such.
“Katangowa market will majorly accommodate the traders within the computer village, they would have market stores and outlets, and they would also have secured title to the stores allocated to them so that if they want to take loans from the properties they have within the market, they can use that with any bank.
“In addition, there would be banking facilities, clinics, schools, crèche, storage facilities, and some housing, including hotels where those who come to the place outside of Lagos would be accommodated within the area.”
