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Lagos to Relocate Ikeja Computer Village in the Next Two Years
Lagos State Government has set time line for the relocation of the popular Computer Village from Ikeja to Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, saying the relocation process is very much intact and expected to be completed in the next two years.
It also said that the process for the relocation of Mile-12 Market and Oko-Baba Sawmill to Imota is being delayed following a review of initial building plans due to current needs to ensure a more befitting environment.
The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako stated this during the Ministerial press briefing to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, held at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to Salako: “The relocation of Computer Village, Ikeja, to Ultra-Modern ICT Park, Katangowa in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, is on course having delivered the vacant site to the developer for construction of ICT park. It has to move from Ikeja, which is located in residential area to a more spacious and conducive location in Agbado-Oke-Odo.”
The project, according to the commissioner is progressing with the following ongoing activities: construction of three connecting roads to the proposed ICT park, 250 resettlement stalls, 78 toilets and showers, and two blocks of warehouses. “As soon as all arrangements are completed, we will not hesitate to commence the relocation process which is expected to commence within the next two years.”
Also to be constructed in the site are, security office, facility/site office, installation of three boreholes and water reservoir, three food courts, and preparation of site for construction of main buildings.
The Commissioner also noted that “Oko-Baba sawmill is to be relocated to Agbowa which is about 80 per cent completed, Computer Village is being moved to Katangowa while Mile 12 market is expected to be relocated to Imota area. “In furtherance of the “THEMES” agenda and quest for a liveable, organised, and safe environment, the state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has proceeded with steps to up-scale the relocation activities of the following markets.
“Oko-Baba Sawmill from Ebute-Metta to Timberville Agbowa/Ikosi in Ikosi Ejirin LCDA. Timberville Agbowa/Ikosi is 80 per cent ready for use with the completion of the following facilities: construction of resettlement housing units for saw millers, construction of alternate access route, while the main route construction works remain ongoing.
“204 Units of Band Saw Sheds and Sales Office, Blocks of Public Toilets, Restaurant, Transformers (500KVA), 750m X 8m Internal Road, 1685m Drains and 8m Culvert, Truck Track of 4.5m width, Log Preparation Area.” Other facilitates include, shoreline protection (1440m), first quadrant boom area, completion of eight bollards, power supply, water supply, trailer park (2500m2).
On the Mile 12 regional foodstuff and Allied Commodities market to Imota in Ikorodu LGA, Salako said 45 blocks of kee-clamps, have been completed in the first phase of the project, pointing out that the state government has also upgraded road and other basic infrastructure in 30 communities across different local government areas of the state.
He said the upgrading was part of moves in ensuring that no part of the state was without a plan, explaining that the communities which have had their local action plans so prepared are: Lafiaji Action Area Plan (2021-2031) in Eko District; Abule Oja Action Area Plan (2021-2031); Ajiwe Action Area Plan(2021-2031); Review of Maiyegun and Action Area Plan of an Extension to Aparakaja Casia/Abiodun Dada.
He said the Ministry also undertook the review of Ojodu Core Action Area Plan and prepared Ilo Awela Community, Igbogbo and Ologunebi Excised Village, as well as Shasha Oguntade and Ladipo Osoro, among others.
Salako further explained that the benefits accruable from the plans include: the effective control and proper development guide within its jurisdiction; functional land use pattern and arrangements; good road networks while urban regeneration of the slum environment would be achieved.”
Other benefits are the provision of enabling environment for category of land uses, such as industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential as well as investments in a sustainable manner.
Salako stated that the Ministry prepared Local/Action Plans for the communities through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA.
According to the commissioner, the state would derive maximum benefits from the preparation of the Action Area Plans.
He also explained that the Development Plans would bring about the provision of quality infrastructural developments within the planned area and guarantee a sustainable physical environment during the stipulated planning period.
Salako added that in pursuit of the THEMES Agenda, the Ministry also prepared Development Guide Plans for some Excised Villages in the state.
“In the same vein and with due cognition of the need to extend physical planning administration to Non-Schemed Areas, Development Guide Plans are being prepared to make the Excised Villages more sustainable,” he said.
According to the commissioner, Development Guide Plans (DGP) were prepared for such Villages in different Local Government Areas of the State as, Onimedu Eleputu, Lakowe, Adeba, Bogije, Igando-Oja, and Awoyaya in Ibeju-Lekki L.G.A; Ajangbadi, Kemberi, and Ketu Ijanikin in Ojo L.G.A; Parafa and Gberigbe in Ikorodu L.G.A and; Sangotedo and Langbasa in Eti-Osa LGA. DGPs were also extended to Suberu-Oje in Alimosho L.G.A; Apa (Parcel A) in Badagry LGA; Ibowon in Epe L.G.A. and; Tedi in Amuwo-Odofin LGA.
Mobility technology company, Moove has raised $250 million in a Series C funding round at a valuation of $2.1 billion, reaching unicorn status.
The startup will deploy the fresh capital to build out autonomous vehicle infrastructure, expand fleet ownership, construct robotics-focused “Nests” for charging and maintenance, and grow its autonomous workforce from 150 to 500 by year-end.
The company plans to enter additional global markets, reflecting a strategy to build the operational infrastructure required for large-scale autonomous transportation rather than simply supplying vehicles.
Led by Mubadala Investment Company and co-led by Woven Capital, Toyota’s Growth Fund, and Ion Pacific, the round also included new investors BlueCrest Capital Management, Sona Asset Management and The Raptor Group, alongside existing backers BlackRock, MUFG, Franklin Templeton and Uber.
“Autonomous mobility is becoming an infrastructure race requiring fleets, charging systems, maintenance, data infrastructure and continuous city-level operations,” said Ladi Delano, co-founder, co-CEO and advisory board chairman of Moove.
Founded in Lagos in 2020, Moove has grown into a global mobility platform employing about 3,300 people across 29 cities in 13 countries, operating approximately 42,000 vehicles and reaching $420 million in annualised recurring revenue.
It has expanded organically and through acquisitions, including Kovi in Brazil and Tokyo Taxi in Japan. Moove also operates autonomous vehicle fleets in partnership with Waymo in Phoenix and Miami, with London expected to join its footprint.
The $2.1 billion valuation places Moove among Africa’s small group of tech unicorns, alongside Flutterwave, OPay, Moniepoint, Andela, Chipper Cash, Wave, Tyme, MNT-Halan and Interswitch.
The $250 million round is the largest single funding deal announced by an African startup this year, though EV mobility firm Spiro raised $270 million cumulatively across two separate rounds.
Heirs Life Assurance, the specialist life insurance company of Heirs Insurance Group, has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective August 10, 2026.
L – R: Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance; Pastor Jerry Eze, incoming director, Heirs Life Assurance
The appointment reinforces Heirs Life Assurance’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education, and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one percent – among the lowest globally – highlighting the need to expand financial protection and build greater public trust in insurance.
As Heirs Life continues to pursue its mission of making insurance accessible to every Nigerian, Eze’s appointment brings a unique perspective on community engagement, value-based leadership, and broad societal impact.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a growing multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America.
He is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), one of the world’s largest digital prayer platforms, reaching millions of people daily. Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, he has become one of Africa’s most influential voices, championing hope, compassion, and community transformation.
Beyond ministry, Eze is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy where he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.
In 2026, he announced N1billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, further advancing enterprise development and economic opportunity.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze built a career in development communications, serving as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking about the appointment, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance, said: “Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities.
“As we continue our mission to democratise access to insurance, his insight will help strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze said: “I am honoured to join the Board of Heirs Life Assurance at a defining moment for the insurance industry. Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience.
“I look forward to working with the Board and Management to advance the company’s mission of making insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful for every Nigerian.”
Heirs Life Assurance has become one of Nigeria’s leading specialist life insurance companies, ranking 7th on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.
It is one of the three insurance businesses of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents.
Combining an omni-channel digital presence with physical branches spread across the country, Heirs Life continues to redefine life insurance through innovation, customer-centric solutions, and a commitment to making financial protection accessible to every Nigerian.
Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, collectively serves over 3 million people directly and indirectly.
The Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
The World Bank Group has announced the 31-month debarments of United Aviation Services Limited (UNASEL), a transportation services company based in Nigeria, and Air Vice Marshal Alkali Mamu, its owner and president, “in connection with fraudulent practices under the Enhancing Niger Northeastern Connectivity Project,” according to a press release issued by the multilateral development bank.
The statement said that the project aims to enhance connectivity and road safety along the Zinder-Agadez Road section and improve access to basic socioeconomic infrastructure for selected communities in that road section.
However, according to the statement: “UNASEL and Mr. Mamu presented false experience documents in a prequalification application to qualify for a contract under the project. This was a fraudulent practice under the World Bank’s sanctions framework.”
“The debarments make UNASEL and Mr. Mamu ineligible to participate in projects and operations financed by Bank Group institutions. The debarments are part of two settlement agreements under which UNASEL and Mr. Mamu admit culpability for the underlying sanctionable practices,” it added.
The statement further said: “Per the Bank Group Sanctioning Guidelines, the settlement agreements provide for a reduced period of debarment in light of UNASEL and Mr. Mamu’s cooperation.
As a condition for release from sanction under the terms of the settlement agreements, UNASEL and Mr. Mamu commit to developing and implementing integrity compliance measures that reflect the relevant principles set out in the Bank Group Integrity Compliance Guidelines, and Mr. Mamu further agrees to complete corporate ethics training.
UNASEL and Mr. Mamu also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group’s Integrity Vice Presidency.
“The debarments of UNA SEL and Mr. Mamu qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions that was signed on April 9, 2010.”
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