REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY EXPERTS, STAKEHOLDERS RAISE ALARM OVER BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LAGOS, SEEK URGENT REFORMS

 

 

The recurring tragedy of building collapse in Lagos once again came under the spotlight today as stakeholders from across Nigeria’s building industry gathered at the University of Lagos for the Professor Leke Oduwaye-Adron Homes Urban Development Dialogue, a high-level forum aimed at addressing regulatory and construction lapses fueling the crisis.

 

 

Themed “Recurring Building Collapse in Lagos: The Challenge of Regulatory Oversight and Construction Practices,” the dialogue was organized by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), University of Lagos, in collaboration with real estate giant Adron Homes.

 

 

Delivering goodwill remarks, the Group Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, KOF, issued a strong call for accountability across the building sector. Describing building collapse as a “tragedy that has become far too familiar,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking emphasized that such disasters are not acts of fate but direct results of human negligence, greed, and systemic failure.

 

 

“Buildings do not collapse by accident. They collapse because somewhere along the chain of planning, approval, construction, or supervision, individuals choose to compromise,” he stated firmly”, he stated.

 

 

The respected real estate mogul outlined what he termed the three uncompromising actions needed to combat the menace: Verification, Validation, and Control, stressing that all actors within the building industry must be held to the highest standards of competence and ethical responsibility.

 

 

The event featured a thought-provoking guest lecture by TPL. (Dr.) Idris Salako FNITP, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. Drawing from his vast experience, Dr. Salako delivered a hard-hitting analysis of the root causes of building collapse in Lagos. He identified critical gaps such as weak enforcement of development control regulations, poor coordination between regulatory agencies, and widespread disregard for approved building plans by some developers.

 

 

Dr. Salako further highlighted how political interference, corruption, and the proliferation of quack professionals continue to erode the integrity of the building sector. He stressed the urgent need for capacity building among regulatory bodies, proper training and certification of artisans, and the full digitalization of building approval processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

 

 

The dialogue also featured keynote addresses by TPL. Tunji Odunlami FNITP, Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. Both speakers echoed the need for proactive urban planning, robust regulatory frameworks, and collaboration between government, professionals, and private developers to create safer cities.

 

 

Other dignitaries in attendance included Tpl. Waheed Kadiri FNITP, PPNITP, Past President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (Chairman of the event), Professor Modupe Omirin, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNILAG, Dr. Taofik Salau, Head of Department, DURP, UNILAG, and Dr. S.A. Adeyemi, Chairman, Organizing Committee, among several others.

 

 

Participants unanimously called for urgent reforms to curb building failures, emphasizing the need for professionalism, transparency, and stricter enforcement of building regulations.

 

 

The dialogue is expected to spark renewed policy debates and strategic actions toward ensuring that Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, builds safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces where lives are protected and dreams can thrive.

Brenda Unuavworho Launches Amplify-You: Empowering Women to Amplify Their Voice and Legacy

 

 

As part of activities to mark her 45th birthday, renowned architect, author, speaker, and empowerment coach Brenda Unuavworho will launch Amplify-You on Monday, July 7, 2025, a transformational brand designed to help women turn their stories into legacy products and step boldly into the visibility they deserve.

 

According to the author, Amplify-You is built on her signature five-step framework: ‘Clarify, Create, Brand, Publish, Amplify’.

 

 

Through hands-on coaching, writing contests, digital content, and immersive events, she equips women—especially professionals and experts—to move from buried ideas to bold execution.

 

“I believe every woman has a voice worth hearing and a story worth preserving,” Brenda shares. “Amplify-You is my answer to the women who are ready to show up, speak out, and shine—without apology.”

 

 

As part of the brand’s debut, Brenda will also be unveiling a powerful new book titled ‘Rise. Write. Roar’, the official Amplify-You manual. The book, she said, is now open for preorder and serves as a cornerstone resource for women ready to move from obscurity to impact.

 

 

“‘Rise. Write. Roar is a practical guide that will help women unlock their potential and amplify their voice. This book is a must-read for any woman who wants to build a legacy that speaks long after she’s gone,” Brenda says.

 

Brenda Unuavworho is a prolific author, speaker, and empowerment coach with over 18 years of experience in architecture. She leads Sterling Realties Development Company as the Business Lead and is the founder of the Women’s Growth Academy (WGA), a thriving empowerment community that helps women overcome internal limitations and live purposefully.

River Park Dispute: Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited; Jonah Capital, owner of River Park Estate and an affiliate company apologise to the Inspector General of Police

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

The Managing Director/CEO of Houses for African Nigerians Ltd., Mr. Kojo Ansah Mensah, has apologized for recent tensions stemming from the ongoing River Park Estate ownership dispute and any unintended strain it may have caused in their relationship with the Nigeria Police Force.

 

 

Mr. Mensah emphasized the company’s deep respect for the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Police Force, acknowledging their professionalism and dedication to justice.

 

 

 

In a letter to the IGP, he said “We sincerely regret any miscommunication or discomfort that may have arisen in the course of this matter. The Office of the IGP has consistently demonstrated integrity in our engagements, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of cooperation,”* he stated.

 

 

 

The company has also clarified that a recent protest at the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, Ghana, was neither organized nor endorsed by its leadership.

 

 

“We disassociate ourselves entirely from the unauthorized actions of certain individuals involved in the protest. We deeply regret any inconvenience or diplomatic concerns this may have caused the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the IGP” Mr. Mensah added.

 

 

Houses for African Nigerians Ltd. and Jonah Capital reaffirm their commitment to a lawful and amicable resolution of the dispute, in full compliance with the investigative process directed by the IGP.

 

 

JonahCapital and Houses for African Nigerians Ltd. appreciate the IGP’s leadership and commitment to justice and pledge their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.