The Oloto of Otto, Oba Bashir Odesanya, has called on the Lagos State Government to “kindly put more effort into urban renewal and slum regeneration in Otto and the mainland.”

The monarch explained that urban renewal and slum regeneration would “ensure greater development, improve the health condition of our people and more so provide more economic prosperity not only to our people, the business community but increase the government revenue that is needed to sustain the development of our state and the nation.”

Oba Odesanya made the appeal on Friday during the celebration of his first coronation anniversary in the Apapa-Iganmu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The occasion was graced by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; the Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Eshilokun; the Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, among other dignitaries.

While appealing for more government support, the monarch also called on investors to come in and take advantage of the tourism potential of his domain.

He said, “Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I invite both the business community and the government to join hands in a more collaborative effort to exponentially improve and leverage the economic potential of our cherished communities in Otto and Mainland.

“Traditional cultural strategies, business innovation, and strategic governance must come together to unlock the full potential of our collective endeavours.

“The business community, your expertise and resources are invaluable assets, while our government’s partnership will play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for sustainable development.

“Together, let us create an environment that nurtures entrepreneurship, invest more in infrastructure and create more robust empowerment programmes in our communities.

“Otto and Mainland have great tourism potential and knowledge-based economic potential due to the high number of academic institutions, marine economic, real estate investment opportunities, sporting facilities, smart city potentials, eco-friendly environment if well developed, and other sustainable opportunities that can add to the Gross Domestic Product of Lagos State and Nigeria.”

In his remarks, Hamzat said, “You are a very passionate royal father; rest assured that you have a partner in Lagos State and you will achieve all you plan to do in Lagos State. Lagos State will not be damaged at all.”