MOSAN OKUNOLA, LAGOS – For the occupants of Block 341, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, life changed in an instant when the building they called home was reduced to rubble.
Forced to salvage what they could and confront the uncertainty of starting over, the affected families have now received a measure of relief through food items and cash support from the Chairman of Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Akindele Adunni Opeyemi.
The intervention followed the demolition of the distressed residential building by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on July 11, after structural defects raised fears of an imminent collapse.
According to LASBCA, the building was pulled down following an emergency safety inspection prompted by a report from a resident. The controlled demolition was carried out to prevent a potential disaster and protect lives.
Presenting the relief package to the displaced residents, Hon. Akindele acknowledged that while the support could not replace their homes or personal belongings, it was intended to reassure them that they were not alone in their time of need.
“It is never easy to lose even a pot of soup, let alone one’s home,” the council chairman said, adding that “Our hearts go out to both the landlords and tenants. We thank God that no lives were lost, and although this assistance may not fully compensate for your losses, it reflects our genuine concern and solidarity with you.”
The beneficiaries include Elder Idowu Sunmola, Emeka Osadebe, Kachalla Ali, Esther Megbowon, Victoria Akwu Monday Ocholi, Elder Solomon O. Akinyemi, Engr. Denedo Emmanuel and Mrs. Gbemisola Oni.
Beyond providing relief, the council chairman used the meeting to draw attention to environmental challenges within Abesan Estate.
She expressed concern over leaking and overflowing sewage systems, as well as the keeping of poultry, dogs and rams within residential premises, warning that such practices pose risks to public health.
She called on the Abesan Estate Residents Association (AERA) Enforcement and Compliance Team to intensify monitoring and ensure residents comply with environmental sanitation regulations to promote a cleaner and safer environment.
Speaking at the event, the immediate past President of the Abesan Estate Residents Association, Elder Michael Kehinde, commended the council chairman for identifying with the victims at a difficult time.
He urged residents to strengthen neighbourly relationships and pay greater attention to sanitation, particularly by ensuring that leaking sewage systems are promptly repaired to prevent environmental pollution.
On behalf of the affected families, Elder Idowu Sunmola described the intervention as timely and encouraging.
“When something like this happens, it is easy to feel abandoned,” he said. “This gesture has reminded us that we are not alone. We sincerely appreciate the chairman for her kindness and concern.”
Another beneficiary, Engr. Denedo Emmanuel, also expressed appreciation, describing the support as unexpected and deeply appreciated.
The presentation was attended by the Council Manager, Pastor Joseph Abiodun Oladeji; the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Abdulhameed Alawaye; councillors, supervisors, special advisers, and members of the Abesan Estate Residents Association, including representatives of its Sanitation Compliance and Enforcement Team.
While the relief may not erase the losses suffered by the displaced families, it has offered a measure of hope as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives after the demolition.
“We are not only here to sympathise with you but also to demonstrate our love and support. That is why I invited both the landlords and tenants. You have lost valuable possessions and investments. The cash we are presenting today may not be enormous, but it reflects the genuine care and concern we have for you as your local council,” Adunni said.
