Homeowners in Festac area could face demolition over integrity concerns by federal housing authority, Dangiwa emphasis the importance of public building insurance, and more…

Homeowners in Festac area could face demolition over integrity concerns by federal housing authority

Lagos residents who currently own homes in the Festac area may face the risk of becoming homeless if the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) proceeds with its plan to demolish buildings that have structural integrity issues. Oyetunde Ojo, the Managing Director of the FHA, hinted at this possibility during an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation work in parts of Festac Town. He mentioned that the authority would soon be conducting demolition exercises on 6th Avenue, targeting properties that have been marked due to visible signs of structural failure and are at risk of collapsing.

Ojo emphasized that property owners with buildings showing signs of structural failure should consider demolishing their structures themselves to retain ownership of their land. If the FHA handles the demolition, owners may lose their property titles. He also noted that the FHA is committed to restoring Festac Town's former glory, asserting that this restoration will go beyond mere promises and involve concrete actions. Festac Town, he added, is more than just an estate; it is a national monument, and residents are encouraged to support the FHA by paying their statutory fees, which are essential for the authority to function independently of government funding.

Ojo revealed plans to upgrade the Festac 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gates, remove illegal structures, install solar street lights, and carry out road repairs. He mentioned that the old first gate will be demolished, and solar street lights will be installed along the stretch of 1st Avenue from the 1st gate to the 11th Road junction. The median will be cleared and maintained, and palliative repairs will be conducted on the roads leading in and out of the 1st gate. Additionally, he discussed the repair of the 3.2 km stretch of 2nd Avenue, a project estimated to cost around N7 billion, which the FHA will seek to finance with support from the Federal Government, although temporary repairs will be made to keep the road usable in the meantime.

Lagos focused on addressing critical environmental challenges and advancing sustainable initiatives

Among the various stakeholders involved in the Lagos city project, there is a strong sense of anticipation as the state embarks on a transformative journey to create a more resilient and sustainable city. This initiative aims to advance sustainable development, protect the environment, and promote social responsibility.

Like other emerging megacities around the world, Lagos faces significant challenges related to environmental issues, housing, living conditions, and ethical practices. The city is grappling with increasing destitution and adverse climatic conditions such as flooding, which have become more pressing in recent times.

To address these challenges, the Office of the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has scheduled the second week of September 2024 for a sustainable summit. This event will be organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Government Safety Commission.

Oreoluwa Finnih, the Special Adviser on SDG, announced during a recent press conference that the summit, themed "Building a Resilient and Sustainable Lagos," will focus on five key areas aimed at paving the way for a sustainable Lagos.

The summit will highlight the government's commitment to sustainability by showcasing strategic initiatives and policies that underscore its dedication to sustainable development. “We will concentrate on community engagement and inclusion to foster social cohesion by ensuring equitable participation in sustainability efforts. Additionally, we will emphasize ethical business practices and social impact,” Finnih explained, noting that the state is committed to promoting fair labor standards and community-driven initiatives that generate positive social outcomes.

The summit will also address sustainable finance, encouraging investments in projects that support the SDGs and integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into financial decision-making. Moreover, discussions will cover sustainable supply chains, focusing on building resilient networks that support responsible waste management, local sourcing, and ethical labor practices.

Finnih stressed the importance of collective action for a sustainable future, stating, “We are at a pivotal moment, and the choices we make today will shape the Lagos of tomorrow. We must innovate, adapt, and lead the charge towards a resilient and sustainable city.”

She assured that the summit would not be merely a platform for dialogue but also a catalyst for decisive actions that will shape the future of the city. The theme, "Building a Resilient and Sustainable Lagos," serves as both a call to action and a roadmap guiding the state government's efforts to create a city that is prosperous, equitable, and environmentally responsible.

“As the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, I am deeply committed to addressing critical environmental challenges and advancing sustainable initiatives. We will explore the government's unwavering commitment to sustainability, reflected in every policy we implement and every initiative we launch.

We will emphasize the importance of community engagement and inclusion, recognizing that a sustainable future must be built by all, regardless of social standing. We will advocate for ethical business practices and social impact, understanding that our economic growth must align with our moral and social responsibilities. Additionally, we will drive discussions on sustainable finance, acknowledging that the investments we make today will shape the Lagos of tomorrow,” she assured.

Dangiwa emphasis the importance of public building insurance

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, has announced that the ministry is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that public buildings are properly insured. Dangiwa made this statement in Abuja during the inauguration of the Board of Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON).

He emphasized that the ministry is deeply concerned about the issue of building collapses and has taken proactive steps to collaborate with various agencies to ensure that buildings are insured. Dangiwa highlighted the critical role that estate surveyors play in preventing building collapses, noting that their work in property inspections and assessments is essential for upholding professional standards. By ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory measures, estate surveyors help protect lives and investments, thereby preventing the tragic building failures that have occurred in certain parts of the country.

Dangiwa urged the newly inaugurated board to be innovative and to enforce professional compliance within the industry.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of ESVARBON, Dosu Fatokun, appealed to the minister to ensure that the professional body is exempted from the recent decision by the federal government to halt funding for professional bodies and organizations.