society
Panic As Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition Of 20 Buildings In Banana Island
Panic As Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition Of 20 Buildings In Banana Island
Miffed by the frequent incidents of building collapse in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the demolition of 20 houses in Banana Island, Ikoyi area of the state.
Speaking yesterday during a visit to the site of the recent building collapse on First Avenue in Banana Island, a visibly angry Sanwo-Olu accused some agencies of the federal government of being culpable in the incidents of building collapse on the highbrow Island.
The governor also described as reckless the way and manner officials of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the promoters of the estate, issued permission to sand fill the Lagos Lagoon without regard to the topography of the area.
He stated that the site of the collapsed building was not originally part of the island’s plan.
“We are at the back of the land that is abutting. You can see that the original line for Banana Island is not even here. It is way in front and you can see that there are several extensions granted by both the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and NIWA. These are the two federal agencies that have been culpable for those extensions. They have done these extensions without our knowledge.
“We have responsibility for building approval. All of the four buildings at the back never got our approval. This is an illegality that is real and that is why we are going around the properties.
“The excuse that they don’t have access is not acceptable. It is total recklessness. All the developers and the culpable officers will be sanctioned.
“But what we are doing now is – we have set up an external committee who are given two weeks to independently ascertain what has gone wrong here and they should finish the work towards the end of next week. This will further strengthen our hands to be able to come up with a robust work plan that we can enforce going forward.
“It is heartbreaking each time we have to go through this and it shows how irresponsible both the developers, some of our citizens that just want to make quick money, and of course our officers, who are not alive to their responsibility.
“We have had to change staff here and there so that we can bring forward robust and very strong monitoring offices, but we are still short of it, I must say. We need to do what we have to do to keep the lives of our citizens safe at all times, ” Sanwo-Olu explained.
The governor accused some officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) of corruption, stressing that they would be held responsible for the recent collapse of a seven-story building on the island recently.
Sanwo-Olu lamented that approvals were given to developers by the federal government in connivance with some corrupt officials of the Lagos State government, adding that the land on which the collapsed building was built was not originally part of the approved Banana Island’s plans.
He stated that no construction should have been carried out on the land.
“There has been a lot of investigation going on. We have seen the extent of unapproved expansion into the water. There have been several extensions approved by the Federal Ministry of Works without our knowledge,” he added.
The governor also inspected other ongoing building projects to ascertain their level of compliance.
In some areas, Sanwo-Olu was shocked to find multi-storey buildings constructed directly under high-tension power lines.
After inspecting the buildings, he ordered them demolished immediately.
He was also scandalised that some buildings that had earlier been demolished by the state government had been reconstructed without the government’s permission.
The governor, who was accompanied by Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Omotayo Bamgbose-Martins, Special Adviser on Works, Adeyoye Aramide, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, among others, ordered the demolition of 20 completed buildings on the island.
While three of the buildings are from the commercial section of the island, 17 are from the residential section.
“We are at the site of the last unfortunate building collapse in Banana Island Lagos and I am sure you have all gone around and seen the site. As has been reported before, there has been a lot of investigation that is going on right now and you can see that they are still clearing the rubbles at the site.
“We have given the order to stop work, not only at this site but also in all of the construction sites in Banana Island.
“I think that the exercise we are doing today is not really just about this location. You have all seen the extent of what I will call an unapproved extension into the water, at the back of each of the land that is aborting water.
“You can see that the original line for Banana Island is not even where we are. It’s in front there and you can see that several extensions have been granted by both the Federal Ministry of Work and Housing and NIWA. These are the two federal agencies that have been culpable for those extensions.
“They have done these extensions even without our knowledge. We have the responsibility for building approvals and the rest of these.
“From what I have been told, all of the four buildings at the back have never even applied for approvals.
“The illegality is real and so, that is why we are going around other properties in Banana Island.
“Excuses have been given that they don’t have access and this is not acceptable. This is a total recklessness of all of the developers and we will make a strong point out of this place and all-around Banana Island and in other developments that we have.
“The officers that will also be similarly found culpable will also be sanctioned, if any.
“In all of these places, it’s heartbreaking each time we have to go through these and it shows sometimes how irresponsible those developers and some of our citizens that just want to make quick money.
“And of course, our own officers who are also not alive to their responsibilities.
“We have had to change staff here and there so that we can bring forward robust and very strong monitoring offices. But we believe that we are still far from it, we are still short on it I must say.
“And we will continue to do what we need to do to ensure that we keep the lives of our residents safe at all times. We are going around as I said that this is not the first one, you are free to join us if you want.”
society
UK Based Enagic Independent Distributor, Funmi Oluwole Promotes Made in Japan Kangen Water Ioniser Machine.
UK Based Enagic Independent Distributor, Funmi Oluwole Promotes Made in Japan Kangen Water Ioniser Machine.
Kangen Water Machine from Japan is a game-changer designed to turn your tap water into Ionised Alkaline water and provide antioxidant rich drinking water globally.
Speaking in Lagos recently, a United Kingdom based Enagic Independent Distributor, Mrs Funmi Oluwole, highlighted that the machine, equipped with an advanced ionisation system, is designed to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for the people worldwide.
Oluwole emphasized that the Kangen machine is perfectly suited for homes, offices, and communities in Nigeria. According to her, the machine features an energy-efficient and eco-friendly design.
She describes the machine as compact, durable, and constructed for long-lasting performance. “With its advanced filtration system, this machine removes impurities, contaminants, and bacteria from water, runs the water through its platinum plates and provides ionised Alkaline water for everyone. It detoxicate the system and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases to provide improved overall health,” she stated.
The Independent Distributor explained that the machine, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Nigerian communities, offers excellent customer support and after-sales service.
Oluwole added that the machine uses platinum dipped titanium plates. Alkaline water, produced by the Kangen water ioniser machine, helps cleanse toxins and strengthens the human system’s ability to combat diseases.
Although the machine has been in existence for over 50 years, it made its debut in Nigeria in 2022. The company operates office outlets in Lagos and Abuja.
According to the company’s manual, the machine delivers delicious water via a three-layered, high-power filter capable of processing approximately 6,000 litres of water. “These powerful filters are effective for approximately twelve months of general use. The three-layered filter removes contaminants such as lead, chlorine, effluvium, rust, and other debris while retaining essential minerals,” the manual states.
Double Honour for Dr. Ambassador Sonnia Agu
*Named among MPADs Global Top 40under 40 for humanity &Activism
*Also listed Among Africa’s Leading Women by Crest Africa.
Dr. Ambassador Sonnia Agu status continues to rise as the delectable woman was recently honored among MIPAD’s Global Top 40 Under 40 for Humanity & Activism
And just when she was still basking in euphoria of that laudable achievement, she was also named among African’s Leading Women by Crest Africa.
In a remarkable acknowledgment of her global impact, Dr. Ambassador Sonnia Agu, Founder and CEO of Sapio Group, has been named one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) – Global Top 40 Under 40, in the Humanitarian and Activism category for the Class of 2025.
Recognized in support of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), the prestigious MIPAD list celebrates high achievers of African descent from around the world who are making notable contributions to their communities and fields.
Dr. Sonnia Agu has long stood at the intersection of purpose and impact, championing causes that empower women, youth, and underserved communities across Africa. Through SapioWorks, SapioFoods, and G1st International Foundation, she has revolutionized access to employment, food sustainability, and social support systems, especially in Nigeria.
This award not only honors her resilience, innovation, and humanitarian dedication, but also marks her as a beacon for the next generation of African leaders determined to transform systems from the inside out.
Speaking on her achievement, Dr. Agu expressed:
“This honor isn’t just for me—it’s for every young African who dares to dream, every woman who refuses to be boxed in, and every voice that’s yet to be heard. Our work continues. Africa rises.”
As the world takes note of emerging leaders of African descent, Dr. Sonnia Agu’s inclusion in the MIPAD Class of 2025 further cements her legacy as a powerhouse of purpose, proving once again that true influence begins with service.
Dr. Ambassador Sonnia Agu also been named among Africa’s Leading Women by Crest Africa.
Renowned humanitarian, social innovator, and entrepreneur Dr. Ambassador Sonnia Agu has been recognized as one of Africa’s Leading Women by Crest Africa, a prestigious honor celebrating exceptional women shaping the future of the continent.
Featured under the theme “Where Men Sit, Women Lead”, the edition spotlights powerful voices driving change across Africa’s media, leadership, and business landscapes. Dr. Agu, the visionary Founder & CEO of Sapio Group, continues to break barriers through her transformative work in employment empowerment, food sustainability, and community development.
With over a decade of impact-driven leadership, Dr. Agu’s influence spans multiple sectors—from launching SapioWorks, a pioneering gig-economy platform tackling youth unemployment, to founding G1st International Foundation, which champions grassroots development and social justice. Her fearless advocacy and commitment to humanity have made her a respected force both locally and globally.
The Crest Africa feature also acknowledges her as a SHERO shaking the continent, applauding her trailblazing legacy among entrepreneurs, change-makers, and media icons.
In her words:
“Leadership is not about position—it’s about purpose. And for African women, that purpose burns brighter than ever. We are no longer waiting for space—we’re creating it.”
As the world looks to Africa’s next generation of female leaders, Dr. Sonnia Agu stands tall—unapologetically bold, relentlessly compassionate, and fiercely committed to rewriting the narrative of what African women can and will achieve.
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