Business

FESTAC Demolition: Engineer Cries Out as FHA Destroys ₦500m Property

Published

6 months ago

October 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

FESTAC Demolition: Engineer Cries Out as FHA Destroys ₦500m Property

By Ifeoma Ikem

A civil engineer, Mr. McDonald Ejiofor, has lamented the demolition of his ₦500 million property by officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) at 6th Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos, describing the incident as the total destruction of years of labour and dreams.

Ejiofor, 48, alleged that officials of the FHA, accompanied by policemen attached to the Lagos State Taskforce and some hired thugs, stormed his residence at Plot 1892, Route 65, Caravan Estate, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and began pulling down his structure while his family was still inside.

He said he legally acquired the land from the Kuje family in 2016, following a Federal High Court judgment that, according to him, granted ownership of the disputed area to the family.

According to Ejiofor, trouble started after he moved into the property nine months ago, following a claim by a lawyer (name withheld) that the same plot had been allotted to him by the FHA.

“The same month we moved in, my painter called me that one Barrister Ferdinand Obiora came with some hoodlums, vandalized my gate, arrested my workers, and took them to FESTAC Police Station,” he recounted. “I was later informed by the police that a man claimed to be the main allottee of the land from FHA. I had to consult my lawyer, who secured the release of my workers since I was not in Lagos then.”

Ejiofor said the FHA later pasted a demolition notice on his property. “I sent the notice to the lawyer representing the Kuje family, because the case is still in court,” he explained.

“The Federal High Court had given judgment in favour of the family in 2016, but FHA appealed. The case is presently before the Lagos State High Court, which ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until judgment is delivered.”

He expressed shock that despite the pending case, the FHA went ahead with the demolition. “On Saturday morning, while I was out playing football, I got several missed calls. When I returned the calls, my neighbours told me to rush home because FHA officials were demolishing my building,” he said.

“Before I got there, they had already brought down the fence and cut my building into two. My wife was still inside when they started. People were shouting, telling them someone was inside, but they didn’t listen. My furniture, electronics, machines, documents, certificates, passport, and clothes were all buried under the debris.”

Ejiofor further alleged that when he and his family tried to salvage their belongings the next day, security personnel descended on them. “Over 30 policemen in six Hilux vans stormed the site.

They beat me, my wife, and my brother, threw us into a Black Maria, and took us to the Taskforce cell in Oshodi. They later forced me to sign an undertaking not to return to the property,” he claimed.

When Vanguard visited 6th Avenue on Tuesday, more than 15 structures had already been demolished, leaving residents and traders in shock. The demolition was still ongoing as bulldozers pulled down buildings while traders displayed their goods beside the wreckage.

A Lagos State government-branded bulldozer was also seen at the site. Officials were pointing out more structures marked for demolition. Some residents alleged that the exercise was selective, claiming that while some properties were spared, others—mostly privately developed—were deliberately targeted.

A resident of FESTAC Town and former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Mr. Paul Nwosu, described the demolition as unfair and lacking in human consideration.

He said many of the affected traders were not issued prior notices.

“I was passing here on Saturday when I saw them destroying shops. I was told it was for encroachment,” he said.

“But if you look closely, you’ll see the gutter and a clear setback. These buildings are in alignment with others. How then did they encroach?”

He added: “Even if they didn’t have permits, they could have been asked to regularize. Destroying people’s means of livelihood without notice is wicked. These are investments—people’s sweat and life savings.”

Reacting to allegations of brutality, the Lagos State Taskforce dismissed claims that its officers unjustly arrested Ejiofor’s family members or other residents.

In a viral video, a woman identified as “Oneway” accused the Taskforce of unlawfully detaining her husband and others during the demolition. However, the agency said those arrested were caught attacking officials with stones and dangerous weapons in an attempt to obstruct the lawful demolition of structures encroaching on FHA land.

It alleged that the woman’s husband had initially tried to bribe the demolition team to halt the exercise but turned violent when his offer was rejected.

Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, condemned the attack and warned that obstructing law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties constitutes a criminal offence.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has denied involvement in the demolition exercise.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, stated that the state government was not part of the operation and that all demolitions carried out in the state follow due process, including notices and stakeholder engagement.

He emphasized that all agencies, including federal ones, must seek clearance from the Ministry before conducting any demolition. “We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government remains committed to fairness, due process, and the protection of property rights. Any demolition carried out without proper authorization does not represent the position of this administration,” Olumide said.

Efforts to reach officials of the Federal Housing Authority were unsuccessful. However, some of its concessionaires, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that most of the demolished properties were not acquired through the FHA and challenged the affected persons to produce their documents.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

5 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.