In the past, movement of traffic was once a nightmare for corporate organisations, traders, commuters, pedestrians, and residents. The axis was also notorious for untoward activities, especially the infamous Oluwole, where all manner of fake documents could be procured.
Besides, there was a time that hoodlums were operating without let or hindrance, harassing passersby, bank customers, traders, and residents.
“At that time, it was difficult to walk through Tinubu, Martin, Nnamdi Azikwe streets up to CMS without molestation.
“Indeed, the situation became so scary that corporate organisations that included financial houses, insurance companies and other big businesses had to seek alternative locations for their businesses. And in droves, they moved away to places like Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Ikeja, among others,” said Mr Victor Adeyemi, a banker who had witnessed the whole scenario.
However, the CBD has now changed, wearing a beautiful look that would make Paris’ Champs-Elysees green with envy, and this is no exaggeration, at least, in view of its past deplorable condition.
The transformation started since the advent of Governor Bola Tinubu, to Babatunde Fashola and now, Governor AkinwunmiAmbode, who heightened the development.
Since the beginning of this year, it was discovered that big business activities had gradually returned to the area.
A new dawn has berthed at the Lagos Island Central Business District’s Marina corridor, once regarded as the most popular location in Lagos Island up till late 80’s before the financial Institutions and multinationals started relocating to places such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Allen Avenue, as a result of then attributed to infrastructure breakdown, coupled with the menace of miscreants. This area is now speedily regaining its old glory.
Serving as impetus are the combination of the new master plan developed by the Lagos State government for this once prosperous central business district on one hand, and investors determination to key into the regeneration plan.
Presently, the Central Business District (CBD) that included Marina corridor has already attracted huge investments.
Among early investors that are taking practical step to actualise the vision of government is Messrs Wemabod Estate Limited, (a subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited), one of the leading real estate giant, which has already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), with another renown architectural firm and developer, Springfield Development Company Limited, to redevelop the Unity House located at 37, Marina Street, Lagos Island.
The 21-storey edifice, described as “symbol of Yoruba unity”, was built 54 years ago was commissioned by the Governor of the old Western Region, late General Adeyinka Adebayo,
Speaking on the transformation recently, Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business District, Agboola Dabiri, stated that renovation of Madam Tinubu Square fountain, with the staging of Echoes from Tinubu Square Project, was in line with state government’s desire to preserve all cultural and historical sites in Lagos for the proper maintenance and preservation.
“The place is now designated as venue for event that will normally features folklore, quiz competition, songs and music, especially, by students and pupils from public schools”, he said, adding that with such events, maintenance of the edifice would be assured.
Dabiri informed that Apongbon-under-bridge, another corridor harbouring hoodlums and commercial vehicle operator will soon wear a new look, saying CBD target is to make the place as modern as possible with aesthetic fencing.
and then