By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has stressed that effective physical planning is fundamental to building a safe, functional, and prosperous state.
He made the remarks on Thursday during a ‘Fire Chat’ with the 2025/2026 Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) at the Office of the Deputy Governor, the Roundhouse, Alausa-Ikeja.
According to Hamzat, unplanned communities are vulnerable to flooding, disorderly growth, environmental hazards, and unnecessary hardship for residents. “Physical planning is essential for ensuring that people clearly understand how development decisions are made, why regulations exist, and how orderly urban growth protects lives, property, and the future of Nigeria, particularly Lagos State,” he said.
Recalling the experience of Maroko residents, Hamzat highlighted the dangers of unstructured settlements, stressing that no society can thrive where people live in areas exposed to water channels without defined layouts, infrastructure, or enforceable building standards.
He explained that government’s role is not only to respond to indiscriminate development but to create systems that guide growth for the benefit of all, including both the wealthy and vulnerable.
The Deputy Governor lamented that one of Africa’s biggest setbacks is the lack of deliberate planning, warning that progress will remain limited until societies adopt effective land-use and infrastructure strategies. “Planning is not optional, as time and productivity depend on order, structure, and adherence to standards. Development cannot be driven by personal desire alone,” he said.
Hamzat also emphasized the responsibilities of leadership, noting that decisions must balance public welfare, environmental realities, and economic conditions. He called on leaders and citizens alike to uphold integrity, rebuild trust, and adopt forward-looking mindsets that prioritize sustainable development.
Concluding, the Deputy Governor stressed that addressing societal challenges requires collective effort, consistent planning, and courageous leadership, with solutions that are people-centered, realistic, and aligned with long-term development priorities.
