By Idris Olukoya
Epe – Impressed by the Lagos State Government’s infrastructure-driven development in Epe after several decades of neglect, residents said on Sunday that the giant strides were already stimulating growth and promoting tourism in the hinterland.
Epe, town and port, lies on the north bank of the coastal Lagos Lagoon and has road links to Ijebu-Ode in Ogun and Ikorodu in Lagos State.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe, the residents lauded the government’s initiatives for attracting investment to the area.
They noted that the ongoing accelerated development would boost tourism, culture, agriculture, arts and entertainment in the area.
Mr Niyi Musa, a resident, noted that modern roads being constructed had opened up the area which, he said, had lagged behind among the other divisions in the state in terms of development.
“God has made Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode our messiah; he is a true son of the soil and he has proved to be one with the development going on in the community, ” he told NAN.
Another resident, Mr Lateef Sodiq, said construction and expansion of roads, upgrading of jetties, waterfront infrastructure to boost tourism, and building of low cost housing estates had given the town a facelift.
“For many years, Epe has been neglected by the government and I think the governor deserves commendation for bringing development to us.”
For Mrs Risikat Balogun, a civil servant, the massive development being witnessed had made many people to relocate from Lagos to Epe.
“The area is fast becoming a gateway to investment opportunities for local and international tourists and investors.
“There has been an influx of investors and visitors to the town recently; Epe people are welcoming and hospitable and are ready to live with them,” she said.
Mr Kunle Adesada also noted that property and land were appreciating as a result of the opening up the sleepy town.
“Many families and individuals have been selling their lands at reasonable costs for the development of the community and to attract investors and people willing to settle in Epe.”
“The economy of the community will recieve a boost without doubts, while the state government will be able to generate more revenue from the area and also create employment opportunities for the people,” he said.
NAN reports that Epe, home of the late Governor Micheal Otedola, boasts of a 100-year-old colonial office, a private university — St. Augustine Catholic University, forest resources notably the forest of black ants, flourishing animal and fish markets.
The first Christian mission school — St. Michael CMS was established in the town in 1894, while the Government Muslim School was founded in 1898.
The construction of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company located near Epe is scheduled for operation in 2018.
