Connect with us

News

Pelican Valley in Discussion with Experts On Path For Equitable, Sustainable Urban Planning, Development In Ogun, Lagos

Published

on

Pelican Valley in Discussion with Experts On Path For Equitable, Sustainable Urban Planning, Development In Ogun, Lagos

Worried by the seemingly proliferation of slums, informal settlements, congestion and other nuisances in the nation’s built industry, professional town planners and estate developers converged in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital for a two – Day workshop, to deliberate and chart a path to equitable and sustainable town, urban and regional development.

Gathering on the theme: ‘The impact of emerging technologies on urban and regional planning: challenges and opportunities,’ at the event, organised by the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), the discussants, largely from the Town Planning profession and notable players in the built – industry, including the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, were in agreement that government is central to planning, enforcement of building guidelines and provisions essential services, particularly infrastructure to ignite development and liveable human settlements.

 

They expressed the concern that places like Allen Avenue,Ikeja, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Lagos were in the 60s and 70s marked as residential areas until shops and clubs started creeping in, forcing many of the residents to leave for somewhere else as their once residential settings steadily lost its grip and sanity to surging commercial activities.

They equally pointed out Admiralty Way in Lekki and dozens of other places in Lagos that have lost their original design as residential settings, and regrettably giving way inexorably to commercial and social activities as well as other nuisances because the government or its relevant agencies were not there to enforce the physical planning and building regulations.

have the power to take action. The administration of land decree of 1978 puts land in the hand of the Governor.

“No society can move forward without law and order. The private sector thrives in the building industry when rules are followed, the key to unlocking this relationship between the governments and the private sector is implementation of building guidelines and regulations.”

Responding, Tpl. Abiodun Adewolu, the Senior Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Urban & Regional Planning, identified government challenges regarding physical planning and development.

Adewole said despite the regulations in place to serve public interest, problems of infrastructure deficiency, road network, water supply, and the problem of informal settlement which has grown up to become slums as well as the problem of congestion in all ramifications – social and physical congestion, abound to make government efforts at finding solutions a daunting task.

He urged citizens to follow physical planning regulations and development laws as they are of public interest and a product of lawmakers, who are representatives of the same people.

Adewolu said, “Planning is a response to situations that affect society negatively, it is to create an environment that is liveable, where we can live, a settlement where you can live comfortably devoid of any risk. All these should be catalogued the interest of the people and injected into development plan, be it town, urban, district or regional plan It spelt out where school should be, where market or commercial activities should be so that there will be no room for informal settlement that grows into slums.

“So, in the end, everyone will live a good life but unfortunately, it is structured in a public sector led process that may entail what people , govt abridge the interest of people. Revenue generation not public interest.Town planning is not meant to be revenue generation, it should be a total public interest, but the situation has changed and that is why we are having this dilemma to a large extent.”

Similarly, Oluwole Sotire, an engineer and permanent secretary, ministry of physical planning and urban development, Lagos State, said government has a responsibility to render service to the people – citizens, it serves but also noted that citizens too are expected to pay land taxes/levies.

“We must first of all understand that citizens have to pay tax or levies to government. Whether it is equitable is another question. However, efforts should be made to involve proper stakeholders and the rest of the citizens to ensure beneficial planning and good governance,” he said.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Adron CEO Restates Support for Traditional Institutions During Oyo Palace Visit

Published

on

Adron CEO Restates Support for Traditional Institutions During Oyo Palace Visit

The Chairman, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s cultural diversity and traditional institutions during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.

According to the Adron CEO, the visit reflects the company’s belief that national development must be anchored on respect for heritage, culture, and indigenous authority across all ethnic nationalities.

“Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. At Adron Homes, we recognise that culture and tradition are not obstacles to development, but the very foundation upon which sustainable progress must be built,” Emmanuel-King stated.

He emphasised that Adron Homes’ engagement with traditional institutions is inclusive and nationwide, cutting across regions and ethnic lines as part of its broader vision for unity and shared prosperity.

“Our respect for traditional institutions is not limited to any one region. We honour royal fathers across Nigeria because they are custodians of our identity, values, and social stability,” he added.

The Adron Chairman noted that the company’s expanding footprint across several states continues to contribute to housing delivery, job creation, and economic empowerment, while aligning modern real estate development with indigenous values.

“We remain committed to building communities that serve present needs without eroding the cultural heritage that future generations must inherit,” Emmanuel-King said.

He further reaffirmed Adron Homes’ readiness to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation, tourism, and community development, stressing that collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions is vital for inclusive national growth.

In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, commended Adron Homes for recognizing culture and tradition as pillars of development, offering royal prayers for the company’s leadership, continued success, and the peace and unity of Nigeria.

The visit concluded with royal blessings and goodwill, reinforcing Adron Homes’ position as a corporate brand committed to cultural solidarity, inclusivity, and a diverse future for Nigeria.

Continue Reading

News

Adron CEO Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Diverse Cultures, Traditional Institutions

Published

on

Adron CEO Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Diverse Cultures, Traditional Institutions

The Founder and Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to the preservation and respect of Nigeria’s diverse cultures and traditional institutions, describing them as vital partners in sustainable national development.

Speaking after a landmark courtesy visit to the House of Oduduwa on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, hosted by His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, the Oonirisa of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Adron CEO stressed that the company’s engagement with royal institutions transcends ethnicity and regional boundaries.

According to Aare Emmanuel-King, Adron’s collaboration with traditional authorities is not limited to Yoruba land, but reflects a broader national philosophy that recognises the importance of all ethnic cultures and custodians of heritage across Nigeria in fostering unity, stability, and development.

“At Adron Homes, we believe that land is sacred and that development must be carried out with deep respect for culture, history, and traditional authority — not just in the South-West, but across every region of Nigeria,” he said.

The Adron CEO highlighted the company’s extensive footprint nationwide, noting its contributions to housing delivery, job creation, and economic empowerment across multiple states. He added that meaningful development thrives best when modern enterprise works in harmony with indigenous values and institutions.

As part of Adron’s long-term vision, Aare Emmanuel-King also announced plans for a landmark luxury estate project, ORISUN WHITE PARADISE RESORT, spanning over 200 acres in Ile-Ife, designed to blend modern luxury with cultural identity and tourism.

He expressed appreciation to Kabiyesi Oonirisa for the warm reception and royal blessings, describing the visit as a historic milestone that reinforces Adron Homes’ position as a corporate brand committed to cultural respect, inclusivity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

Continue Reading

News

Pelican Valley Estate drives CSR via widows outreach

Published

on

Pelican Valley Estate drives CSR via widows outreach

Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, a real estate company, through its foundation, Oko Opo Foundation, has reinforced its corporate social responsibility drive on Boxing Day as its flagship Pelican Valley Estate in Abeokuta hosted a large-scale outreach providing healthcare, financial assistance and educational support to widows.

In a statement, it was noted that the Oko Opo Widows Foundation, a non-profit organisation which caters for widows, orphans and less privileged members of society, has been lending helping hands to widows in the last three years, filling the void left by the departure of their husbands, and wives, as in the case of widowers.

It stated, “In carrying out this selfless service, the Foundation has established partnerships with well-meaning individuals and organisations, secured donations and grants and provided support to numerous beneficiaries as it focuses its programmes on education, healthcare and economic empowerment.”

The Founder, Dr Babatunde Adeyemo, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, described the gathering as a significant milestone in the journey to empower widows, orphans and the less privileged in society.

He noted that it was a time to celebrate not only the foundation’s achievements but also the resilience and determination of its beneficiaries, pledging to remain unrelenting in making a positive impact in the lives of people.

“We celebrate the widows who have found hope again, the orphans who have discovered a sense of belonging, and the less privileged who have been given succour. Philanthropy is borne out of a passion for lifting widows and the less privileged,” he said, adding that it is devoid of any political undertone.

He pledged to build houses for widows and fund free legal service for any widow facing persecution, injustice or being denied her rights in her matrimonial home due to the loss of her husband.

Adeyemo said, “Over the past year, Oko Opo Foundation, a non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation established to rekindle the hope of widows, has worked tirelessly to provide support and resources to those who need it most.

“As I reflect on our journey so far, I am reminded of the passion and commitment that drove me to establish this Foundation. As a journalist and entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand the impact of poverty and inequality on our society. I have witnessed the struggles of widows and orphans, and I have felt the weight of responsibility to make a difference.

“Oko Opo Foundation was born out of this sense of responsibility. Our mission is to rekindle hope in the lives of widows, orphans and the less privileged. We aim to provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Let me assure you that the Oko Opo Foundation will not relent in its noble efforts to rekindle hope and advocate for the improved welfare of widows, orphans and the less privileged in our society. I, personally, will continue to work tirelessly, using every resource at my disposal, to empower the needy. We also want to seize this medium to appreciate the contributions of donors, partners and volunteers who have made our work possible. As we look to the future, I am excited about the prospects ahead. We will continue to innovate and expand our programmes, seeking new and better ways to serve our beneficiaries.”

According to the statement, the widows had earlier received free medical screening and counselling for non-communicable ailments such as hypertension and blood sugar level, with necessary drugs provided for them courtesy of the Foundation’s medical outreach, as was the case in 2024.

It added, “Among the women that shared their soul-lifting stories yesterday about how Adeyemo brought succour to each of them through the Foundation was Mrs Titilope Adewunmi, widow of the late Ekiti State indigene, Wale Adewunmi, who practised journalism all his life in Ogun State before his demise in the middle of last year.

“Adewunmi narrated that the help was timely, happening just as she was about to head to a burial ground in Abeokuta with tearful eyes for the interment of her late husband when the call that changed her life and that of her first daughter came from the Oko Opo Foundation, informing her that she had been placed on a stipend for six months with free medical service in any hospital in the town at the expense of the Foundation. To cap it all, she said she was also informed that one of her children would be supported to further his/her education up to the university level.”

– PUNCH

Continue Reading

Trending