We Hope For Wisdom Of Solomon In Lagos-Landmark Demolition Talks - Paul Onwuanibe

The Group CEO of the Landmark group, Paul Onwuanibe, spoke to the Global business report about the ongoing talks between the company and the Lagos state government over the demolition notice the company received to make way for the Lagos-Calabar coastal road
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[@kukoyi]

I respect this man’s optimism and ability to manage this issue in the face of difficultly. I hope he comes out on top!

[@Tirelesswarrior]

That's a trait leaders of enterprises develop over time. Entrepreneurship can be a daunting journey, so you build a calm and calculated style over the years.

[@ibenemecletus-yv9fc]

​@@Tirelesswarrioryeah

[@JandRMediaLimited]

Landmark ceo is the Nigerian dream. Ability to create value

[@Oluyhemief]

The dream and vision some people are bent on destroying. I believe the 🚭 ce was issued because he is not ready to grease their palms.

[@mekuscpekus]

They only succeeded in making a free publicity for Landmark Group. Before now, millions of Nigerians do not know its existence. Big congratulations to CEO of the millenium Mz. Paul Onwunibe

[@oladapobabalola1061]

Many people in Lagos knows about Landmark but don’t know the face behind it.

[@henri723]

He meant millions of Nigerians don't know it's existence and not referring to many Lagosians.

[@dallashaj4711]

​@@henri723and is Landmark in every states or in Lagos?

[@henri723]

@@dallashaj4711 Landmark is located in Lagos State, but millions of Nigerians didn't know about it before now. If case is resolved, he's gained an overwhelming free publicity.

[@FTaiwo1]

So it will be easy now for him to go to other coastal areas in Nigeria and SE is begging for development like this. Lagos SW is not the only coastal region in Nigeria. It is what it is and the coastal highway will bring greater economic benefits to Lagos.

[@ndukaobi6909]

Landmark Africa will not be destroyed. This Man has a brain of the gods Lagos State Government should not make us loose this great brain and it's excitements. I worked with him and Herbert Wigwe for me this is a true outstanding business man. His mind is a real definition of fearless.

[@Kkholiday419]

I have been making comments everywhere on Nigerian news channels videos, this road should be moved a way from the beach area, Nigeria doesn’t have that much prime beach areas like this especially in Lagos. Think about this all the Caribbean countries depends on tourism that comes from local and foreigner visiting the beaches. Landmark is one of the structure that makes me proud of Nigeria, no one in their right mind will demolish structure like this.

[@taharka3897]

In my country jamaica some of our major roads are along the beaches. They both complement each other. I don't see why Nigeria can not do the same.

[@therealist2866]

@@taharka3897it’s a 700-km road and is NOT going to run along the beach for hundreds of kilometers of its length. Seems either DUMB or sinister to CHANGE the original alignment and to incur huge additional costs to make it run along the beach for this relatively short stretch and then to revert inland thereafter. A nation in rapid decline keeps shooting itself in the foot. SMH

[@Kkholiday419]

I feel better after watching more news that it’s not destruction of any Landmark resort buildings

[@chuckolu4394]

I like the way he is being diplomatic. These criminals called Nigerian politicians/leaders need to stop this vendetta and leave people that are building businesses alone. How do you want foreigners to bring their investment to your country if you can treat your brightest business minded citizens like this?

[@michaelm1226]

Destroying such a business will be the most stupid decision by any sane government can take . Infact , I can go further by saying if this is destroyed, then its way beyond just developmental move but more of witch-hunting and yes I am yoruba. From his explanation, its obvious there are other options other than run through this awesome business site.

[@enod9746]

If a man leaves the UK and comes back to put up such an investment in the land of his birth, and yet suffers this kind of treatment from his country, then it tells a story.

[@fatfarmers7360]

You are a goat. What is the mistreatment? Explain it.

[@rufaiibrahim7283]

What treatment they have not even concluded.

[@tayetiamiyu6627]

Lagos is the birth of Yorubas not useless igbos

[@enod9746]

@@tayetiamiyu6627 Igbos are your tenants. Without their money, what use is your land? Which Yoruba man has a tourism investment like Landmark? If any, Mr Onwuanibe was the pioneer. I hate ethnic bigots like you with a passion.

[@xixtinthegreat]

@@tayetiamiyu6627 showing yourself. You guys can't even pretend. The haters going to hate but will still go enjoy the facilities at landmark

[@fursklasugo1777]

Fort of all, I salute the courage of this man of immense mental stature in handling this issue with such calmness and optimism. Secondly, wonder why the original plan was changed by hitch or whatever they call themselves. Now if they are incompetent in the area of civil engineering, then some other company should come in because even if the beach front should be used, why can’t they do it directly on the ocean by way of a bridge as it is done in other parts of the world and eventually come back to join the land, it’s possible and doable. Landmark is Nigeria’s pride and should be protected at all cost. May God bless and strengthen Mr. Paul Onwunibe

[@kingdebbie75]

Landmark do not opt for compensation rather that it won't be demolished. If you give up even God will give up but if you hold on , God will intervene.

[@enod9746]

I don't know you, but you have encouraged me with this statement. One of my businesses is floundering after a hefty investment in 2021 and I was about to throw in the towel. You may have just saved that biz.

[@user-yw7mk1qk3v]

The social implications and economic impact is more than compensation to Landmark in my opinion. Government should find a common ground here to safeguard this incredible business/ businesses . I admire the coolness of CEO Paula in this conversation. Hospitality and tourism creates economy viability of a nation.

[@user-pf3uj2hf3y]

Atiku is 💯 % correct . It should have stated in Calabar. Pres. Tinubu is just funding his reelection goal for 2027

[@chijiokeani6767]

Win-win situation should be the Hallmark of whatever negotiation. Let the government return to the original plan and everyone the trouble.

[@ted.n9609]

Do Nigeria need a Fancy Coastal Highway or a Practical super Highway that should link the whole Country, not just Lagos and Calabar. Most developed Countries in the world do not have Fancy Shore line Coastal Highways that streched the Coastal Shorline lenght of the Country. Nigeria need Pratical Super Highway that link the whole Country for more effective economic development. Germany has the Autobahn for exemple, just like other super Highways in the USA and China. The irony in this Scenario is that based on Nigeria history of lack of highway maintenance, this proposed highway may be left to deteriorate in the future because of lack of maintenance like the Warri - Portharcourt Highway.

[@frayo4259]

The landmark beach can still stand and the road can still be built untop of it like flyover

[@AfroVistaChronicles001]

Eko Atlantic is opposite landmark, landmark will eventually be sand fill at the long run, and the demolition is taking the beach which is the landmark greatest asset, we just hope the issues are settled to favor both party

[@iyereeyieyien7888]

You have airport runways built as bridges over highways.

[@taharka3897]

How about underground, it's done all over the world.

[@taharka3897]

​@@iyereeyieyien7888we have one in Atlanta.

[@iyereeyieyien7888]

@@taharka3897 for as long as Nigerian officials continue to be opportunists we are going no where. These people have no business sence. They have never run any businesses. They have been stealling from state treasuries so they do not know the pains of growing a business.

[@liftedsoul6146]

5:56 you can clearly see that this could be avoided and simply a witch-hunt.

[@agbarakelechukwu199]

Yeah,I sense that too

[@mojolaoluwaolumuyiwa9869]

The cabal could never fathom an Individual single handedly building an empire without been crooked. I wish you the best of luck Mr onwuanibe.

[@emmanuelivoko2303]

When tribal bigotry clouds common sense, it's not a surprise.

[@user-fs8mf7bh9q]

My question here is that are there no expropriation laws in Nigeria?

[@cedarxeda2665]

Just because he is Igbo!!!

[@abiodunobe]

I pray & hope that sound financial and really patriotic judgements will prevail here on the path of the government and not cheap, parochial & selfish interest considerations overriding the former

[@mayowaola896]

Compensation shouldn't be what we need to be discussing here rather how do we all have a win win situation

[@onon7687]

This project as constituted is a joke. You want to destroy a multi-hundred million dollar investment right at the onset? Why is there even a discussion of start in Lagos, no start in Calabar? This is supposedly a 700km road, why can’t there be multiple starting points. Look at Lagos-Ibadan express way where they started at both ends to meet in the middle, the challenge and still there are challenges completing it. You can have 10 companies building 70km each, yet they’ve given 1 company 700km. This is a white elephant project that anyone alive today will not be around to see the completion of.

[@chiemechinedu8562]

I understand everything you just said. It is laughable to know that one company is given a contract of that magnitude. It might take them 20years to complete it knowing how Nigerian government abandon projects once tenure expires and new government comes in.

[@nikemomalicha5004]

Pheeeew!!what a country.

[@plainmanspeaking8406]

Can you even legally ask a tenant to move out in 7 days??? If they do believe in it so much let them go and start in calabar so that he will have time to move. You think say you are wise!!!

[@kingsleyibe9056]

7 days' notice. Must be a Devil that gave that notice. Anyway the state has been destroying

[@olaoluwaamoo9910]

Are you the one destroying the state. Your wish ! Epa from a lahlah land !

[@jerrywonder1831]

@@olaoluwaamoo9910Akwa Ibom State has the longest sand beach in West Africa. Ndigbos will keep learning the hard way until they realize how wicked an average Yoruba man is.

[@leviagim3942]

​@@olaoluwaamoo9910So 7 days notice to vacate is justifiable? And you don't see all the bulldozing of the houses in Lagos? You see, the reason this is getting such publicity is just because of the enormity of this investment and the livelihoods affected. The individual houses that are being brought down don't get so much awareness. Just open your heart, put yourself, your brother, your father in this man's situation. He is Igbo, but he is a human being just like you. Is this right, my brother?

[@enod9746]

@@olaoluwaamoo9910 did you even read the comment? Who mentioned destroying the state?

[@alveem7295]

Do you know some of your relatives might be employed there and their livelihood might just depend on that job? @olaoluwaamoo9910

[@azeezfatoye6114]

The issue is b4 the road was 4 Lane total without train but now it has 6 to 10 lane with train at the middle , although I really hope they can be a win win solution.

[@dr.tundefanimokun1655]

The benefits of costal road to 200million Nigeria can not be watered down by the concern of an office block and entertainment centre. Opening up commerce thru coastal road is in the best interest of the Nigerians.

[@tbdplays7215]

How many people do you employ?

[@harryfizzy]

Idiot that has never invested 1 naira (apart from MMM) spotted.

[@thedavid00100]

The project manager should consider making part of the road go underground to prevent unnecessarily damaging properties. The welfare of the citizen should be of paramount concern for the government

[@ishobol7407]

Evil servants in the country are perhaps the worst. They are ready to bring the house down irrespective of the consequences unless .....

[@dezzyrocdezzyroc838]

Is a wrong move to destroy such a huge employment hub for the citizens, they should review the road plan and link it through ikoyi/lekki epe road and relink it through underground to relink it to the actual road plan onward. We normally see such issues over here the govt always try and replan some areas with underground or overhead fly over. Is up to the urban and town planning to come up with.

[@ezinwo1961]

What China did in many such situations was to build diversions using Flyovers or strategic logistics. It can't be a Road to no where just for politics. The coastal highway must consider stakeholders and communities with the benefits expected. It is a great project by the present government and should not be marred by inconsiderations and victimization of stakeholders communities.

[@spikezlee]

this is just to take money from this poor man

[@Omojoy4sure]

Dear Mr Paul , Public sympathy is a two way sword and a zero sum game. Talking more with the government might be my line of action if i am in your shoes. Going from one media house, might seem like a good strategy because it becomes a pressure point but if the government come at you , from the point of law, you will loose. The government can take. any property if its for public good. Also, they can come from the point of documentation. You have your home state governors, senators, reps talk more with them . Lias more with Lagos state,also.

[@thetruth6396]

Unfortunately, this is for the public interest when the origin route is altered to affect businesses negatively. How do you give a business owner 7 days ultimatum to vacate his business empire?

[@tayetiamiyu6627]

You are very knowledgeable

[@Omojoy4sure]

The trolley dilemma !!! History has taught us that when governments are faced with this situation, they always sacrifices the lesser numbers for the bigger price.

[@11damilola]

Someone is about to loose his business empire he worked hard for and you're asking him to discuss about real estate development in Nigeria? Wow!

[@Oluyhemief]

The coastal road from Lagos Nigeria did not in anyway impact on the beach from Lagos to Accra. I wonder why they want to destroy the beaches. Are they thinking at all?

[@Rigel-fo4ye]

The Landmark issue is a problem that requires an engineering solution. The Government/Landmark needs to seek such instead of a linear approach of destroying everything on its path. If the government is myopic then Landmark needs to approach engineering firm to come up with solutions/alternative solutions

[@adaezeudechukwu9564]

There is an existing road behind landmark. That should be connected to the coastal road instead of building another one in front of landmark. That is only common sense.

[@shemovrere7431]

Killers of businesses in lagos: incentivity of lagos govt policies, multiple taxes, and the unwelcoming attitude of the indigenes.

[@paschalihejirika2278]

As long as you're Igbo Apc will not spare you, it's unfortunate.

[@damilolaodili559]

They can pass that rail underground even. It's possible. Why destroy? 🤦🏿

[@IOdele]

What about the sand filling cause by Eko Atlantic, isn’t that already bound to impact the landmark business in the future? Like imagine going to the beach and your facing high rises, and no tidal power so effectively dormant water

[@samuelbrownsonmfon9204]

So Eko Atlantic should stop the sand filling. Since 2009 or earlier they had gotten the right to reclaim Bar beach and after so many years of reclaiming. They have built not even up to 10 buildings for a city that was meant to host several districts and up to 100 buildings and solve the problems of housing in Lagos State (selling at a King’s ransom). So how about Eko Atlantic focuses on building bar beach first and focus on completing the wall to the Lekki Epe end so the communities further down and the entirety of the coastal road doesn’t get washed away by erosion in some years to come.

[@IOdele]

@@samuelbrownsonmfon9204 i never said they should stop, I’m just saying landmark should have considered the risk. Especially cause the government at the time backed the eko Atlantic project. The wall to prevent erosion was never meant to stretch as far as epe, there are other smaller sea walls along the coast anyways, go see the plans online. And with the buildings, yes there’s only about 10, but around 90% of the land has been purchased. Developers are waiting for the price to mature before building, especially with the state of our economy atm. The sand filling has reached phase 4 out of 6 so the whole project is on track, and this is the area roughly where landmark is. It was bound to happen regardless.

[@IOdele]

@@samuelbrownsonmfon9204 secondly, eko Atlantic is 100% privately funded, not backed by the government. So they really on a lot of local and foreign direct investment. If the government was to contribute the pace of development would be faster, and example if you want look at Cairo’s new capital city

[@samuelbrownsonmfon9204]

@@IOdele the wall was built 100% with Nigerians money the representatives from the Ministry of Works confirmed this at a town hall meeting with stakeholders on the coastal highway. The 10 existing buildings are selling at what I call king's ransom. So I wonder who they were built for?

[@obiflex]

So a road already exists around the estate but they simply want to take away his tourist resort to build a tourist road. So destroy one of the nation's best tourist resorts in order to build a tourist road for tourism. So if tourists are driving on the road from Calabar, won't they need a resort to stop and relax along the way? If it's a 700 kilometer road, what's wrong if you divert behind the resort for a couple of kilometers before returning to your seaside drive? We all know they just want to grab the land for themselves. No coastal road will ever be built in Nigeria

[@OndujumJesus6765]

They will still abandone that project after destroying people's businesses

[@kinguche9208]

Oga landmark stop speaking long English , Nigerian government do not listen to English. Open your eyes and see clearer and stop thinking as if you’re not Igbo. Ask for pay check and go to Afikpo to build the paradise. Nigeria just need your money, your business and you’re here speaking English . Igbo men business doesn’t work in Lagos or north. The interviewers want to see you speak and think like a strong Nigerians you’re still speaking English put of point thinking nigeria is Britain. Look at Ukachukwu in Abuja, he did not talk much to Wike who took his land, he just spoke as a real strong Igbo man that Wike will pay even when he leaves government and you’re here speaking English

[@alveem7295]

This is just a calculated witch hunt. The man is Igbo with such huge investments in a Yoruba state. They are not comfortable. He should just start counting his losses and pack up whatever is left. There is Oguta lake in his home state, he can start something from there. Every Easterner should start preparing for an exodus back to the East o because things have gotten out of hand. Imagine sacrificing thousands of jobs, businesses and revenue for something that can be avoided? How daft can a person possibly be.

[@fatfarmers7360]

You are a goat. You think because he is the ceo, that means he is the owner of everything in landmark? Go and find out whom his partners are and one of his partners and part owners of that place is a yoruba woman. Ewu biafra.

[@tayetiamiyu6627]

Nobody invited igbos to come and invest in Lagos

[@kinguche9208]

@@tayetiamiyu6627 you carry these your tribalism come under this comment 😂 igbos will buy the whole Lagos

[@xixtinthegreat]

He said he is working with both the federal and state ministries. The original route was changed to make sure his property was affected. He is doing exactly what he should do to put pressure on the Lagos State. Because only when they see the absurdity of what they are about to do on CNN do they stop and do what is right.

[@tayetiamiyu6627]

Social media can’t help him but dialogue is the best solution

[@xixtinthegreat]

Ok Mr adviser. Listen to the whole interview before you comment. I know data is expensive but try.

[@preciousfires5088]

I really wish Mr Onwuanibe the best... Not happy to hear this

[@kingsleyogbuka9963]

Hmmmm..there is life for igbos business in lagos after tinubu regime

[@okasefa563]

The project is great for SS and SE. They need to intentionally include SW by extending to Akure-Osogbo from Benin. Passing thru Ijebu to Ore before Benin is bcos they are in the way. 90% of SW or Yoruba area is isolated. Too expensive to isolate 90% of a region by design, intent and execution. Yorubas in Lagos to Ijebu are minority in SW / Yoruba, less than 6%.If that is what they want, we will start shouting out minority. It is a much shorter life expectancy for the majority Yoruba when they are being isolated. Even those who have money won't have peace, and of course they are actually living shorter. WE CAN ALL SEE THAT IT IS NOT TRULY COASTAL as it extends to Asaba and Onitsha.

[@idowum]

I am very sorry and feel the pains of the CEO of Landmark, but his business interest cannot be prioritized over the massive interest of the Lagos state government. The government's right to demolish buildings or structures that are in the way of major road construction is known as eminent domain or right of way. Eminent domain is the power of the government to take possession of private property for a legitimate public use, following the payment of just compensation to the property owner. In the case of road construction, the government may use eminent domain to acquire the land needed for the project, including any buildings or structures that are in the way. This allows the government to build roads, highways, and other infrastructure projects that are necessary for the public good. It's worth noting that property owners have rights in eminent domain cases, including the right to fair compensation for their property and the right to due process. If a property owner disputes the taking of their property, they may be able to negotiate a settlement or seek legal action.

[@harryfizzy]

Compensations are not expansionary in nature on the economy but the investments being destroyed do have that effect. Think with your head. Both road and business can still coexist.

[@uchejoel]

You are just one call away from one government policy changing the direction of your business. This is just sad on all level

[@uchejoseph2344]

Why not channel the money for the project to power, from power we could generate money for the this road project, because there is no urgent need for this road but there so much urgent for power in Nigeria. If there is full potential of power in Nigeria, believe me within two years the money for this road will be easy, than using scared resources to pursue a project that is not so much important. Federal government should put their priority straight rather than chasing shadow.

[@georgeokoro1149]

Oga Paul Onwuanibe, you can either speak English from now till next year and watch you investment destroyed or you can collect the compensation and site Landmark on Oguta Lake. Any Igbo man still investing in Lagos at this material time is a big fool and does not deserve sympathy. Make the hay while the sun shines. Your choice.

[@sanyaolaleye8710]

Obviuosly someone is trying destroy his business.

[@ezekielabanikanda2589]

No one is trying to destroy his business. The portion the govt wants to use by law shouldn't have been occupied by any one/business. No one allocated the place to him cos under the law no one can allocate it to any individual/business. The land belongs to the federal govt and it's been illegally occupied. The govt is even magnanimous, cos by law every structure is meant to be minimum of 200m to the sea. Here, the govt requested for 50m for the road construction.

[@sanyaolaleye8710]

@@ezekielabanikanda2589 What is this one saying the project was rerouted to go through his property then it continues back to the main road.

[@thestereopsis]

Nigeria can be mean to her citizens wahali

[@mikolowiskamikolowiska4993]

Wrong. The citizens refuse to vote with sense. They're mean to themselves