From Ruins To Renewal: Oshodi's Astonishing Transformation
Oshodi interchange and bus terminals
Oshodi, a metropolitan city in Lagos State, Nigeria, is famous for various reasons. It has a diverse population that comprises urban, suburban, and rural settlements. It is also one of the busiest routes in terms of transportation in the state due to its central location, which makes it accessible to various destinations, such as the international airport located in its environs, proximity to the state capital, and its service as a gateway for interstate transit. Despite gaining recognition for these factors, the city's local market, which also bears the same name, Oshodi Market, is perhaps arguably the major cause of the metropolis' renown.
Oshodi used to be highly congested with human and vehicular traffic in the past
This busy city, which serves as a hub for a wide range of social and economic activities, unfortunately, became notorious for illicit activities over the years. Its ever-increasing population posed challenges to residents, causing an increase in the city's population density, inflated rent prices, led to high vehicular traffic and gridlocks, and resulted in a rise in the crime rate. These unexpected developments quickly turned Oshodi into an unattractive and dreaded area.
Aerial view of a section of the popular Oshodi market
Among all of the challenges that plagued Oshodi, the invasion of the major roads in the city by local traders and the criminal activities perpetuated there by two gangs, commonly known as "Area Boys" and "Agberos," were the most prevalent. Driven by the desire to attract potential customers and make more sales, the traders often disregarded regulations that guided their conduct by going beyond their assigned places of business to display their wares on the walkways and main roads—an act that gradually became second nature, causing congestion in these areas and leading to the impediment of human and vehicular traffic.
"Area Boys", one of the notorious gangs that constitute a nuisance at Oshodi
Furthermore, the Area boys and Agberos were also aggravating the situation with their schemes. These gangs, through their blatant activities, made the city unconducive for residents. They normalised extortion, theft, incessant gang clashes, drug peddling, and occasional violent attacks on residents. These gangs also appeared to focus their attacks on some particular groups of the population. The Area boys targeted and harassed vulnerable residents, while the victims of the Agberos were the public transport operators.
Mr Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos State, restored orderliness to Oshodi
In light of this regrettable situation in the city and the consequences it was having on the local economy, the incumbent governor at the time, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, decided to take drastic actions to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, with a plan to make the metropolis habitable for residents once again. The governor, in pursuit of this objective, gave instructions to relevant government authorities to decongest the main roads that had been illegally occupied by the local traders and to curtail the activities of the notorious gangs that had been inflicting pain on residents.
Oshodi, after being decongested by Gov. Fashola
This audacious move by the governor was commended by residents as they witnessed remarkable changes and the restoration of orderliness in Oshodi. The traffic situation in the area improved significantly, as did other social and economic activities. Strict measures were put in place by the state government to prevent local traders from encroaching on the roads again and to deter the troublesome gangs from carrying out criminal acts.
Mr, Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of Lagos, initiated the urban renewal project in Oshodi
Building on the gains of the restoration plan in Oshodi, the succeeding administration after Governor Fashola's tenure, led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode embarked on a redevelopment and modernisation project in the area. This massive project, undertaken in partnership with private investors, included multi-storey bus terminals, pedestrian bridges, bus shelters, and shopping malls. The project went underway and, after three years of construction, was finally completed.
Multi-storey vehicle park at Oshodi bus terminal
The transformation of Oshodi into a modern and conducive city by the state government had finally become a reality and was widely applauded by the public. This metropolitan city that was on the brink of collapse had been revitalized through the concerted effort of the government and its partners. As a result of this development, social and economic activities have been enhanced in the area, with a boost in security and a significant reduction in the rate of crime.
Well done to the Lagos State government for this wonderful initiative. We wish to have more of its kind in the state and call on other state governments to replicate transformative projects such as this in their respective domains.
Thanks for reading,
Have a splendid day folks.
credit: click photo caption for image source.