Ikotun Printers Beg Sanwo-Olu to Review Road Expansion, Save Businesses

 Ikotun Printers Beg Sanwo-Olu to Review Road Expansion, Save Businesses

......ASPON says members support Lagos infrastructure project but fear proposed road width could wipe out businesses and livelihoods

IKOTUN, LAGOS — Printers and other business owners in Ikotun, Lagos State, have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to review the width of the ongoing road expansion in the area, warning that the current alignment could lead to the demolition of their shops and offices.

The appeal was made by the Secretary of the Association of Professional Printers of Nigeria (ASPON), Ikotun Division, Mr. Demilade Adjala, who said the association supports the Lagos State Government’s infrastructure development efforts but wants the authorities to consider the impact of the project on businesses operating along the affected streets.

Adjala spoke on behalf of printers and shop owners operating around Dare Street, Feyintola Street and Ishijola Street in Ikotun.

According to him, affected businesses have already started taking steps to facilitate the construction by removing extensions and other structures that may obstruct the road project.

“We so much love the development going on in our area. We support the road construction. We have started removing and pulling out all the extensions and things that will affect the construction,” Adjala said.

‘Reduce the width a little’

While expressing support for the road project, the ASPON official said the major concern among printers and other business owners was the extent of the proposed road expansion.

He appealed to the state government to consider reducing the width of the road to minimise the number of businesses that could be affected.

“Our only appeal is for the government to consider us in the aspect of widening the road. If the government can reduce the wideness a little bit, it will help us.

“Right now, we are moving machines from here and there because of the wideness,” he said.

Adjala said a more moderate approach to the expansion would allow the government to achieve its infrastructure objectives while preserving businesses that provide livelihoods for residents and contribute to the state’s economy.

He added that allowing the businesses to remain would also enable their owners to continue paying taxes and operating legally within the area.

‘Don’t claim all our offices’

The printer urged the governor to consider the economic consequences of the proposed expansion before finalising the affected areas.

“We believe Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will give us a listening ear. Our only plea is for the government to consider the construction so that it will not disturb or claim all of our offices,” he pleaded.

The association stressed that its members were not opposed to development, insisting that their position was aimed at finding a balance between infrastructure expansion and the survival of businesses in the community.

The printers therefore called on the Lagos State Government to engage with affected stakeholders and consider adjustments that would allow the road project to proceed without unnecessarily displacing businesses and destroying livelihoods.