News Central, a pan-African television station hosted a crucial town hall meeting with key stakeholders at the Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos on Thursday, April 25.
The meeting, anchored by the station’s correspondent Bernard Akede, aimed to address concerns surrounding the federal government’s decision to sand-fill the site for the commencement of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The government marked the site for demolition, citing obstruction to the planned 700-kilometer coastal road.
This has raised concerns among business owners, employees, and tourists at the resort who are distressed over the potential loss of their investments.
Maryam James, representing the resort’s management, passionately appealed to the government to reconsider its decision, stressing the beach’s status as a major tourist attraction and the only one of its kind in West Africa.
“Imagine this place disappearing just like that.
“We should be striving to save the beach, not destroy it. It is the only one we have in West Africa.
“We are worried. Our guests are concerned, but we believe in a positive outcome,” she said.
Olawunmi Kazeem, a Customer Care Representative at the resort, expressed deep concerns about losing her job if the demolition proceeds.
She emphasised the impact that Landmark has had on people’s lives and livelihoods over the years.
“I work directly on this beach that is about to be demolished, and I know how connected I am to this place. Landmark has developed and impacted people in various ways.
“It is very disheartening that this place is going to be demolished.
“I am the firstborn of my family, and I have siblings I am responsible for. I do not know what will happen to me if this place is demolished and I lose my job,” she said.
Motunrayo Awosika and Eniola echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for alternative solutions that wouldn’t jeopardise thousands of jobs tied to the resort.
They emphasised Landmark’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and sustaining families in the community.
“Landmark has built young men and women who went on to start up their businesses. It has created opportunities and saved lives. It has fed families.
“Let us save the beach,” Awosika said.
Eniola, who was emotional at the prospect of losing her job, stated:
“The beach is a major attraction to Landmark.
“Landmark has provided jobs to over 12,000 people. This job is our major source of livelihood, and we cannot go out of jobs.
“It is an emotional time for us. Where do we go from here if we lose our jobs? We are citizens of this country, and we cannot be treated like this.
“We are pleading with the government to tamper justice with mercy,” she said.
News Central is Here to Amplify Stories that Matter
News Central’s Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Kayode Akintemi urged affected individuals to voice their concerns and seek redress through the appropriate channels. He said News Central would be available to amplify the voices of those willing to speak up about the demolition and other concerns.
The team’s recent visit to the Landmark Beach Resort confirmed ongoing sand-filling activities at the site as ordered by the government.
News Central’s engagement with stakeholders at the beach marks the third event under the Town Hall Series where the station engages stakeholders on critical issues live on air to spur the government to action.
The Series previously covered the Dosunmu fire incident, and the Jakande Estate Demolitions all in Lagos state.
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