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| Hon. Adebowale Olasoji. Former member Lagos State House of Asembly. |
By Hon Adebowale Olasoji
The establishment of a modern market like the New Tejuoso or the
Ikeja City Mall is often capital intensive as millions or billions of Naira are
usually injected either from the government coffers or from within the banking
system. Yet, the impact and benefits derivable from such market are often
localized and limited.
But never has a neighbourhood market grown into an ‘enigma’ that
has become inexplicable to both government and the private investors as the
COMPUTER VILLAGE Market.
The market is strategically located in an environment that is
easily accessable to both local and international investors due to its
proximity to the airports, government offices, State Police Command, Post
Office, Fire Service Station, railway station, State Teaching Hospital and only
lately, the bus terminus.
The establishment of a Computer Village Market is a classical
example of how citizens can collaborate as an association to contribute
positively to the economic development of their environment, State, country and,
indeed, the International economies without government financial investment or
commitment. But what is the true story behind the emergence of this phenomenon
called Computer Village and who are the brains behind its establishment and
what are the prospects for the future development of the market.
IN THE BEGINNING
The Community is known as IKEJA. It officially became a
residential area immediately after Nigeria’s Independence on 1st October, 1960.
Hitherto, it was the Headquarters of the British Colony Province. This Colony
Province also known as Ikeja Colony Province comprised of today’s eight local
government areas, that is, Ikeja, Agege, Alimosho, Ifako Ijaiye, Oshodi-Isolo,
Mushin, Somolu and Kosofe.
The euphoria that surrounded the attainment of our Independence
from the British and other related circumstances gave birth to a community with
a common agenda of unity and nationalism among the privileged landlords who
took over the headquarters of the Colony Province immediately the land that was
acquired by the British administrators in the 19th Century was returned to the
original owners. The emerging landlords immediately commenced the development
of their new community and by 1970, a full fledged residential area had
emerged.
Glowing tributes go to those founding fathers and mothers who
laid the foundation to what is today known as Ikeja Computer Village. Prominent
among them were Prince C.A.O. Smith, a highly revered Chartered Accountant and
President of the Landlords Association and Alhaji Amusa Amade, an International
Businessman with Enterprises in both Nigeria and Ghana. He was the Vice
President of the Association. Others included Mr. L.L. Oseni, Treasurer of the
Association, Chief Joseph Oriade Olasoji, a director of Meteorology with the
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and later Aviation, Mrs. B.A. Bankole, a
businesswoman and manufacturer's representative, Alhaji A.A. Fadeyi, a retired
Police Officer, Ms Joyce Pepple, Mr. S.A. Adekunbi, Mr. J. Ade Francis, Papa
Emmanuel Olawale Olatokun, Alhaji Sikiru Temidire and Olori Ajoke Olufunke
Odusanya (Mama Medical). They all served meritoriously but they are now of
blessed memory. May their souls rest in peace.
There are others who have remained relentless in the service of
their community; they include 92 years old Yeye Oba Fola Foster, a
businesswoman of great repute, Chief S.A. Osundairo, a retired Police Officer
and entrepreneur, Chief D.O. Famoroti, Alhaja Sidikatu Ajisegiri, Mrs. C.E.
Boyo, Mr. Olufemi Aremu, Mr. J.A. Ogunode and many others who have contributed
in no small measure to the development of the Community.
The contribution of Chief Jacob Olawuyi Ayeni, who was the first
post-colonial Chairman of Ikeja District Council (now Ikeja Local Govt) must
also be highly appreciated.
ARRIVAL OF COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES
Professionals like lawyers, accountants and surveyors accounted
for the first set of tenants into the community. They were later to be joined
by Travel Agencies and Freight Forwarders. The neighbourhood also became the
destination of choice to other business enterprises, including Multi-national
Electronic Companies and Service Centers.
It was not until the early to middle of the 1990s that the
community began to witness the arrival of computer and telephone companies and
by the turn of the century, the Landlords had become almost overwhelmed with
the demand for commercial accommodation. It was at that juncture that the
critical decision to construct additional shops within each tenement was taken
by the Association. Most of the Landlords immediately began the construction of
these shops within available spaces of their houses.
This action of the Association was however frowned at by the
Lagos State Government as contravention notices were served on violators of the
Urban and Regional Planning Law and they were requested to remove such
contraventions within two days after service.
However, the Landlords decided to send a delegation to meet with
Government Officials at the Urban and Regional Planning Board. The mandate of
their Representatives was to make a case for the employment opportunities that
the market was bound to provide for the teaming population that was growing at
a very fast rate and also with the pledge to remove all abatement on government
set-back as soon as government is prepared for further development of the
Community. After a series of meetings, the Board finally agreed to spare these
constructions but it was not without penalties being imposed on violators
before regularisation of their building plans were granted.
Upon the receipt of the approval of government, the Landlords
proceeded to carry out a proper re-organization of the market. An audit of the
companies operating within the market was carried out while the perennial
traffic gridlock, which had become the signpost of the market was eliminated
through the redesignation of some streets as ONE-WAY streets. Harmonious
relationship between the Landlords and the Traders was thereafter firmly
established. Security in and around the neighbourhood was beefed up with the
construction of gates at all entry points into the community. Security levies,
which hitherto was borne by the Landlords and some Banks was extended to
the Computer and Telephone companies. There was substantial compliances and
cooperation from all stakeholders and it was at this period that the market was
named IKEJA COMPUTER VILLAGE.
Since its establishment, the Computer Village market has grown
to become the most successful Community-Based Market Nigeria has ever witnessed
both in terms of its management and its huge private capital investment, with
partnerships that has spread across the world. It has continued to provide
millions of direct and indirect employment to every category of Nigerians and
non-Nigerians alike and especially the youths who could have otherwise become
menace to the society.
Today, it is even more gratifying to note that inspite of the
COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world’s economy and Nigeria in
particular, the ICT service sub-sector is contributing as high as 10% of
Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the future prospect is also looking
good.
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
Not too long ago, the Lagos State Government granted approval
for the re-development of Ikeja City Center as Landlords were granted
permission to develop their properties to as high as six storey buildings. This
is in order to conform with the implementation of the Ikeja Model City Plan
after the completion of the Lagos Island and Mainland Model City Plans. With
this new approval, both Local and International investors can take maximum
advantage to enter into long-term property development agreements.
Additional collaboration and cooperation between the Landlords,
the Market Board and other Stakeholders will
further ensure a better management and the sustainability of the
peaceful environment which the community has been known over the years.
So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 60, let us all rededicate
ourselves to the service of our beloved country by sincerely reflecting on the
words of the former American President John F. Kennedy who said, “Ask not what
your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. Let every
community vow to never allow the labour of their heroes past to be in vain.
Happy Anniversary Ikeja
Happy Anniversary Nigeria
·
Hon. Adebowale Olasoji can be reached on
08033307688 (WhatSAPP)
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