March 30, (THEWILL) – The Ogun State Government has issued an April 15 deadline for allottees of the Government Reservation Areas (GRA) Regeneration Scheme to commence the processing of their building plans and begin development on their allocated plots.
Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, disclosed this over the weekend while inspecting newly constructed housing units at the Ibara GRA in Abeokuta.
He warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in revocation and reallocation of the plots to new subscribers.
“If they fail to process their building plan approvals and do not commence development activities on their plots, the government will have no option but to revoke, reallocate, and reassess each application based on the agreement signed at the time of allocation,” he stated.
Omoniyi emphasised that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is committed to transforming the GRA from a slum into a smart city, with a target of delivering 250 to 300 housing units before the year’s end. However, he cautioned that delays by allottees could jeopardize the realization of this vision.
He assured that the state government was providing essential infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads, security, drainage systems, and underground cabling to create a high-end residential area similar to Banana Island in Lagos.
“The new Ibara GRA will serve as a model and will be replicated in Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, and other locations. These estates will be gated communities, designed to enhance security and increase property value, similar to what exists in Bodija and Iyaganku in Oyo State,” he said.
Highlighting the progress of the GRA Regeneration Scheme, Omoniyi stated, “Right behind me is Cluster One, featuring newly developed homes that align with Ogun State’s housing standards. Here, we have 50 duplexes set for completion before year-end. This initiative demonstrates Governor Abiodun’s commitment to transforming the state.”
He stressed that GRAs must maintain high living standards, referencing other similar developments across the Southwest.
“A GRA should be a gated community to ensure the security of residents and protect investments. We have the governor’s approval to implement this, making the Ibara GRA a true example of a modern estate,” he added.
Omoniyi further assured that the government had put in place critical infrastructure, including an 80,000-litre water scheme for uninterrupted supply, underground armored cabling for electricity, drainage systems, optic fiber connectivity, and designated spaces for schools, mosques, and recreational areas
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odunlami, affirmed that the state government followed due process in acquiring permits for the Ibara GRA Regeneration Scheme.
“These projects have all necessary permits. In the past, governments embarked on projects without proper approvals, but this administration ensures full compliance.
“The Ministry of Housing submitted all required drawings and plans, which were approved before construction commenced,” Odunlami stated.
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to urban renewal, urging GRA allottees to comply with the set deadline or risk forfeiting their allocations.
