By Matthew Johnson

A societal group, Take Back Festac have called on the Federal Government to stop the alleged sale of public facilities and critical infrastructure within the estate, warning that the development poses environmental, security and social risks to residents.

The group also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into the activities of the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, over what it described as the disposal of public assets originally designated for community use.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos , On Saturday President of Take Back Festac, Mr. Valentine Uduebor, alleged that sewage treatment facilities, parks, drainage corridors, health centres and other public utilities within the estate had been sold to private individuals.

According to him, Festac Town, which was developed as a legacy project of FESTAC ’77, was designed as a model residential community and has remained home to thousands of families for more than four decades.

He expressed concern that the alleged sale of sewage facilities could undermine the estate’s drainage and waste management system, exposing residents to environmental hazards.

“Festac is our home. Many of us have lived here for over 46 years and raised our children here. We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to save what remains of this historic estate.” Uduebor said:

“These facilities were built to channel waste safely away from residential areas. If they are destroyed or converted for other uses, sewage will have nowhere to go, exposing residents to environmental hazards and threatening the structural integrity of buildings.”

He also accused FHA officials of imposing excessive charges on property owners seeking consent for property transactions and development approvals.

“We are being subjected to multiple charges. In some cases, residents are asked to pay with N10 million to N 15 million as consent fees for property transactions. These charges increase the cost of housing and ultimately lead to higher rents,” he said.

Uduebor urged President Tinubu to order a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the FHA leadership and suspend further sales of public facilities pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Why should any buyer plan to build a restaurant on top of a sewage facility? That poses a threat to the lives of residents. Green areas, relaxation spaces and other facilities meant for the benefit of residents are being sold off in the name of development. Local government should be available for our complain as last hope” he said.

Also speaking, Vice President of Take Back Festac, Mr. James Ibeka, described the alleged sale of public infrastructure within the estate, as unconstitutional.

Ibeka narrated that he had lived in Festac for more than 50 years, lamented what he described as the destruction of the original master plan of the estate.

“Many of the developments we are witnessing today are contrary to the vision upon which Festac was built. Critical infrastructure and buffer zones preserved for public use are now being sold to private individuals.

“Some of the people authorising these transactions do not live here and may not appreciate the purpose for which these facilities were created. No reasonable person familiar with the original master plan would support the sale of sewage facilities, buffer zones or other critical infrastructure.We appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the alleged transactions are investigated and reviewed.

“The alleged sales are illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. They should be reversed in the interest of residents and future generations,” Ibeka said.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, in Amuwo-Odofin, Mr. Monsuru Salam, called on the Federal and Lagos State Governments to investigate the alleged sale of public facilities that could be use by community security groups.

Salam said community-based security organisations had continued to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force to combat crime and maintain peace in the area.

According to him, indiscriminate development and the alleged conversion of public spaces have contributed to increasing incidents of flooding within the estate.

“We have a strong partnership with the police. Together, we have apprehended several criminal elements in the community. Government should support and empower local security groups rather than allow facilities being used for community safety to be sold off. We cannot continue to watch public assets disappear. Festac was once known for its beauty, planning and quality of life. We want to preserve that legacy for future generations.”he said.

Also speaking, Patron of the OPC in Amuwo-Odofin, Mr. Onifade Fatai, popularly known as Apase, described the meeting as a timely intervention aimed at safeguarding community assets.

He lamented the alleged sale of playgrounds, security posts and other public facilities, saying such actions threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents.

“We youths must come out to secure our properties and ensure our parents have a place they can call their own. They are selling playgrounds, areas meant for security posts and public spaces that were meant to serve the community.

“It is not right. These facilities should be preserved for security and public use, not sold off. Government should support community policing and preserve facilities that can serve as security posts to protect lives and property in Festac and Amuwo-Odofin,” he said.