Francesca Odimgbe
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed that effective physical planning remains the backbone of a safe, functional, and prosperous state.
The Deputy Governor made these remarks today during a ‘Fire Chat’ with the Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) 2025/2026 Cohort, held at the Office of the Deputy Governor, the Roundhouse, Alausa-Ikeja.
According to Hamzat, without proper planning, communities become vulnerable to flooding, disorderly growth, environmental hazards, and avoidable 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.
Speaking further, the Deputy Governor recalled that the experience of Maroko residents is a critical lesson on the dangers of unstructured settlements, emphasizing 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 the task of the government is not only to respond when people arrive and build indiscriminately, but to create systems that guide development in a way that serves everyone, both the wealthy and the vulnerable.
The Deputy Governor, however, lamented that one of Africa’s biggest setbacks is the lack of deliberate planning, noting that progress will remain limited until societies begin to plan effectively for land use, infrastructure, and the pressures of development.
“Planning is not optional, as time and productivity depend on order, structure, and adherence to standards, warning that development cannot be driven by personal desire alone,” Hamzat said.
While highlighting the complexity of governance, the Deputy Governor stated that leaders must constantly weigh decisions based on what benefits the greatest number of people, while also considering environmental realities and shifting economic conditions.
Hamzat stated that public leadership must anticipate risks, understand how decisions affect ordinary citizens, and ensure that policies are balanced to protect social welfare, education, healthcare, and infrastructure delivery.
Addressing broader societal concerns, Dr. Hamzat called for renewed personal responsibility and a culture of integrity among citizens and leaders, stressing that corruption and distrust weaken institutions and slow development.
In words, “As leaders and citizens, we need to rebuild trust, strengthen values, and adopt a forward-looking mindset that prioritizes sustainable planning, discipline, and accountability. I want to encourage everyone for continuous dialogue and commitment to reforms that will support orderly growth, improve living conditions, and secure the future of Nigeria and our dear state.”
Hamzat concluded by emphasizing that fixing societal challenges requires collective effort, consistent planning, and courageous leadership, noting that the solutions must be people-centered, realistic, and rooted in long-term development priorities.