The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has kicked off a sensitisation campaign across secondary schools in the state.
EpeInsights learnt that the campaign, which began on Friday, was led by the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, alongside top officials from LASPPPA.
The first leg of the initiative took place in Ikeja, with visits to select schools including Tunwase High School, Mayor Heights Secondary School and Ikeja Senior High School.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olumide emphasized the role of public education in fostering a culture of proper planning and development.
“Lagos is not just talking about physical development, we’re actively working on it. We’ve drawn up master plans for every part of the State to ensure coordinated and sustainable growth,” he said.
As part of the campaign’s activities, an inter-school competition is also in the works, designed to test students’ grasp of physical planning concepts and reward those who show promise in the field.
During his address to students at Tunwase High School, the Commissioner explained the dangers of unplanned development from erosion to general environmental damage and urged the students to be part of the solution by learning and spreading the message.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Olumide Sotire, explained the motivation behind the initiative.
“We want to catch them young. You’re the future and we must start correcting past planning errors by grooming future leaders today,” he told the students.
On his part, LASPPPA’s General Manager, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike, added that the campaign was about public engagement, not just enforcement.
“People often think the government only shows up to pull down buildings. We’re here to enlighten, empower and educate and that starts with young people,” he noted.
He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving the initiative and consistently supporting reforms in the physical planning sector.
The visit was well-received by school administrators. Dr. Dare Oguntade, Principal of Tunwase High School, expressed appreciation to the government for choosing his school and inspiring students to consider careers in urban planning and development.
“Many of our students are now interested in town planning, and they’ll be sharing what they’ve learned with their peers and even their families,” he said.
More school visits are scheduled in the coming days, with the sensitisation campaign set to wrap up in a state-wide inter-school debate.
The goal is to see just how much the students have learned about why orderly development matters — and how they can be part of it.
Present at the school visits were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning, Mr. Adeniyi Owoabi; Authority Secretary of LASPPPA, Ms. Mosunmola Olusanya; Tpl. Busola Olatunji, Chair of the School Programmes Planning Committee; and several Directors and Heads of Departments from the Ministry and LASPPPA.
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