Featured

Untold Story of How Chevy View Estate Wallows in Govt Neglect + Residents Spend Millions to Provide Amenities, Cry Out for Help

Published

8 years ago

May 29, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Chevy View Estate, located along the supposedly highbrow area of the Chevron Drive, in Lekki, is bordered by Bera and Chevron estates on both sides. The Estate, according to residents, was an eyesore many years ago when the residents took possession. The roads were crooked, flood was constantly having a field day and electricity was a tall dream, in fact, a mirage even as getting water is always a story for another day. The story of Chevy View Estate is chronicle of government’s inordinate neglect, parastatal’s extortion tendencies and lackadaisical attitude of those programmed to attend to the needs of the people.

Buoyed by the desire to give the necessary assistant to government and make their environment habitable, the residents began self-help programmes in the area of roads, electricity and general infrastructure with the hope that the Lagos State government will zero in on their efforts and do the needful as a listening and caring government. But many years after, their aspirations remain a mirage, more like hallucination. No government presence has been registered in the neighbourhood, the millions of naira spent so far by residents on projects notwithstanding!

Comprising about 19 districts namely Adegbenle, Emmanuel Emenike Street, Gbenga Ademulagun, Hawau Abikan, Ibukun Oluwa Awosika, James Orugbo Close, Jide Agbalaya, Udeco Medical Road, Williams Onoh, among others, Chevy View Estate had organized itself in the very best of ways, tasking responsive residents, who have willingly parted with huge sums of money for the projects that government has blatantly refused to execute. The overbearing weight of this burden has now necessitated the clarion call to the government of Lagos State to come to their immediate aid.

Speaking to journalist during a tour of the facilities on the estate to examine the amount as well as inspect the extent of jobs so far executed, the chairman of the Chevy View Estate Residents’ Association, Mr. Chris Onyekwere, lamented the neglect the estate has suffered over the years, saying the residents have practically become their own government; ‘providing electricity, water, road and the most ambitious of them all, construction of a drainage-canal system for themselves without government assistance in as much deputations have been made to the seat of government at Alausa, asking for assistance, but all to no avail.

“We have written to the government, sent delegates and done everything legally possible to get the government to be involved in this project, but all over pleas have fallen on deaf ears. As at today, if not for where they government of former Governor Babatunde Fashola stopped the canal construction, long before he left office, nothing else has been heard about it,” he said.

Hameed Kasumu Street, Chevy View Estate, Lagos

Adding to his narrative, the Financial Secretary, Mr. Kayode Awolu, said that since they are the ones that live there, they took it upon themselves to do something at least to safeguard the lives of their young ones and family from the flood, which when it rains, reaches waist length, damaging property and affecting lives. He stressed that at the moment, a contract of N64, 000, 000 has been awarded for the canal construction which cuts through Williams Onoh through to Udeco Medical Road.

“The quest to protect our families has made us engage a contractor at the rate of N64, 000, 000 for the construction of the canal so that the water of the flood could be properly channeled. It is not only about the canal, the interlock stone roads which we have already done, have been excavated and destroyed for the canal. The same will be rebuilt afterwards, and explains the high cost of the project. Right now, we have exhausted what we have, and the residents have been stretched to the limit and they can bear no more. This is why we are calling on the good government of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to extend his searchlight to Chevy View Estate. We have suffered enough,” he said.

In less than one year, the estate has financially committed to diverse projects as follows:

Dr Udo Ugo road Project – N7,406,887.50
Hammed Kasumu culvert project – N 19,945,300
Hammed Kasumu road project – so far is N5,940, 000 (on going)
Udeco Medical road project – N33,700,141,65
Udeco Medical drainage system – N15,767,100
William Onoh drainage system with contract value of N64, 000,000 (ongoing)

The ongoing construction of William Onoh Street canal

It is worthy of note that all monies were contributed by residents. The plight of Chevy View Estate residents is a classic example of the insincerity of developers who do next to nothing as regards the development of sites before they are sold to unsuspecting residents. Chevy View was obviously not properly developed before the buildings were sold to the present owners. They therefore inherited the irresponsibility of the developer, who connived with only God knows who to get the site certified and habitable. Government, through its Ministry of Urban Development, should therefore, be more thorough in its investigation of amenities before approving any estate fit for selling or habitable.

While the estate laments the ravaging flood, they also noted that ‘for a very long time’, the estate has not experience power from the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC). Consequently, residents live on generators, buying fuel at exorbitant prices on a daily basis.

A woman, who craved anonymity lamented that her household has lived on generator for years on end, wasting income on fuel and repairs and maintenance of generators, stressing that the authorities still come around to collect levies.

“We have not used power from the distribution company for a very long time, and our income has been practically wasted on fuel and generator maintenance and repairs. This is not fair on any of us. Government should take pity on us and come to our aid,” she said.

However, efforts have been put in to provide electricity to the estate by the residents as two transformers have already been procured.

The canal

Hear Mr. Onyekwere: “The need to get connected to the main power grid has made us procure our own transformers after efforts made to get IKEDC give us one was constantly truncated. Today, we have procured two, and as it is now, we can’t install them because we have run out of money, and don’t have the moral justification to run back to the residents for more contributions. Honestly, they have contributed so much. That is the reason we are practically pleading with the government to come to our aid and help us to install the transformers we have painstakingly procured,” he said.

Lying dejected at a corner, the 200 and 300 KVA transformers, pathetically begged to be used. TheBoss investigations reveal that the transformers would have been in use by now if not for the mind boggling amount the IKEDC was allegedly demanding before they could perform their legitimate duties.

While refusing to disclose the amount the IKEDC was demanding, Mr. Awolu hinted that the worse or most frustrating part of the whole saga remains the fact that the residents are loyal and faithful taxpayers.

Udeco Medical Road

“Here, we pay our taxes religiously, as well as other bills of whatever name. it is therefore, not known why a government that claims to have the interest of all the citizens at heart treat us this way. We need urgent assistance. The government should help us prevail on IKEDC to install our transformers; charging us the kind of money they are mentioning is pure extortion,” he said.

Harping on the fraud prevalent in IKEDC and installation of transformers, a resident told the Boss that the IKEDC was in the habit of inviting their own contractors with whom they conspire, coming out with outrageous bills, with the primary purpose of extorting the residents, who are already bent backwards from the excess weight of financial burden.

“This is insensitivity,” the resident spat.

Cross Section of Chevy View Estate Residents

On installation of the transformers on their own, the Chairman said they would have attempted to do if not for what IKEDC may do on the realization that the transformers have been installed without them. He said they possibility of the transformers being blown up was strong.

Water is another crisis the estate is facing. There is no source of drinking water, and residents source their water through contractors, and each family spends between N8,000 and N10, 000 on a weekly basis for water.

However, the management committee of the estate confided in TheBoss that efforts are being made to construct a water supply facility in the estate, saying that government is highly required.

It must be noted that while Governor Ambode is making every effort to create a Lagos of everyone’s dream, some officials in various ministries and parastatals are frustrating the effort with extortive tendencies.

Time is now for someone to take a cursory look at the plight of Chevy View Estate residents in terms of flooding, electricity, road and water.

Time is now for Ambode to remember residents of Chevy View Estate, who include Super Eagles footballer, Emmanuel Emenike, singing sensation, Phyno and Waje, Nollywood actors, Segun Arinze and Funke Akindele (Jenifa), Ace OAP, Frank Edoho and others who have sacrificed a lot in helping Lagos become the smart city it craves.

Featured

UBA Business Series Celebrates The Evolved Woman’s Leadership, Enterprise

Published

12 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Eric

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Thursday, hosted a captivating edition of its quarterly Business Series, bringing together accomplished female leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss the theme “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman.”

The hybrid session which was held at the UBA House in Marina Lagos and also transmitted live to participants across the globe, is part of activities to mark the International Women’s Month and focused on the evolving role of women in leadership, business, and innovation, highlighting how African women are redefining success while also creating sustainable impact across their various spheres of operation.

UBA’s Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, who gave the opening remarks at the event, explained that the evolved woman is one who is taking charge, volunteering and making their voice heard above the noise.

The event was moderated by popular media personality and actor, Tobi Bakre; who said, “When I think about the evolved woman, I personally do not see a checklist or a finish point. In my own opinion, it is a woman who is grounded in her own self-worth and gives room for other women to be grounded in theirs, choosing herself daily and ultimately letting other women around her know and believe that they belong here too.”

The event featured panel conversations with leading entrepreneur and founder of ORÍKÌ Group, Joycee Awosika; celebrated media personality and digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye; founder of Fine-Funky, Olufunke Davies, and award-winning broadcaster, Ayo Mario-Ese who shared experiences around their struggles and eventual evolution as female business owners.

From her point of view, Joycee Awosika, an energy economist who has been focused on promoting the African heritage, the evolved woman is one who has awareness of who she is. “That woman does not need to ask to sit at the table, she is creating her own table and adding value. As your company is growing, you must grow too, and always do an audit of where you need to become a better leader” she stated.

To Tomike Adeoye, the question of what a woman is bringing to the table has now become obsolete, as the evolved woman is now bringing their own table. “She is now more vocal about their struggles, setting the standards and she is not ready to give up on her dreams,” she added.

Ayo Mario-Ese expressed worry about females who are usually laidback about speaking up and sharing their achievements, and said that women need to own their own stories: “A lot of women are doing phenomenal work and are sometimes afraid of showcasing what they are doing. As an evolved woman, you have to find out what you are comfortable doing, and create your own unique offering, and also be open to collaboration.”

“Creating unique designs that are affordable remains my driving force and something that has helped me grow as an evolved woman,” remarked Olufunke Davies, who confessed to having ventured into a lot of businesses before finding her niche. “It is important to do your research, streamline and think about relatability. But the important thing I will say is start where you are as it is a progression.”

The Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, who commended the panellists and the attendees for taking their time to join the event said, “Raising each woman up is actually not that hard; because, everyone has their community as well as their story; and so as women, we need to take position so that you can give to others.”

Ladipo took time to speak about the Gen W platform, put together by the bank, as she explained that it is a lifestyle platform dedicated to the evolved woman, adding, “Through expert insights, real stories, and practical resources, the platform connects women who are building brands, creating businesses, growing careers, and leading across industries. They also have access to a plethora of discounted products and loans. The best part: it is open to every woman. No UBA account needed. This is Gen W, for the evolved woman,” she said.

UBA continues to reaffirm its commitment to empowering women and entrepreneurs through platforms such as the Business Series, which continues to serve as a hub for mentorship, knowledge exchange, and thought leadership. By convening influential voices and sharing practical experiences, the bank aims to inspire a new generation of women leaders and innovators across Africa and beyond.

Featured

Court Bars Aiyedatiwa from Contesting 2028 Guber Election

Published

1 day ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday ruled that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State cannot contest the 2028 governorship election, holding that doing so would violate the constitutional limit of eight years in office.

Delivering judgement, Justice Adegoke held that Aiyedatiwa, who first assumed office on 27 December 2023 following the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and was later sworn in again on 24 February 2025 after winning the 16 November 2024 governorship election, cannot seek another term in 2028.

The court ruled that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not permit a president or governor to remain in office for more than eight years, relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Marwa v. Nyako to support its position.

Justice Adegoke further held that the suit was neither speculative nor academic, stressing that the court has the inherent authority to interpret provisions of the Constitution and ensure strict compliance with them.

The case was filed by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Akin Egbuwalo, through his counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), seeking interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution as it relates to Aiyedatiwa’s tenure.

The section, along with Section 182(3), provides that a person sworn in to complete the term of another elected official can only contest and serve one additional term.

Egbuwalo argued that since Aiyedatiwa had taken two oaths of office—first as successor to the late Governor Akeredolu and later as an elected governor—the Constitution limits him to only one additional term.

Those listed as defendants in the suit include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Governor Aiyedatiwa, the APC, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami.

Justice Adegoke noted in her ruling that the third to fifth defendants failed to participate in the hearing of the case, and their processes were therefore deemed abandoned.

The court held that, “If the third defendant is allowed to contest and serve another four years, that will be against the position of the law in Marwa v. Nyako, where the Supreme Court held that a president or governor cannot serve beyond eight years.”

Consequently, the court considered only the submissions of the plaintiff and the first and second defendants.

She concluded that allowing Aiyedatiwa to contest again and potentially serve another four years would contradict the Supreme Court’s position that no president or governor can remain in office for more than eight years.

The court subsequently upheld the arguments of the plaintiff and granted all the reliefs sought in the suit.

Featured

Gumi: Timi Frank Urges Trump to Halt Security Cooperation with Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

March 11, 2026

Eric

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Wednesday, urged the United States government and President Donald Trump to halt intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government, citing recent comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on banditry and terrorism.

Frank, who is the ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East), made the call in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the remarks credited to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits raise serious questions about the handling of insecurity in the country.

“If it is true that the government knows the names of these bandits, knows where they are located and even knows their camps, then Nigerians deserve to know why decisive action has not been taken,” he said.

He argued that the continued rise in kidnappings and killings across the country suggests that insecurity has escalated despite claims that security agencies possess intelligence about those responsible.

According to him, the continued deterioration of security despite international support raises suspicion that insecurity may be benefiting some individuals, alleging that insecurity in the country has become a “profitable business” for some actors within the system.

“Kidnappings have increased. Killings have escalated. Insecurity has worsened across the country. If a government truly knows the identities and locations of terrorists and bandits yet fails to act decisively, then that raises serious concerns,” he said.

He added: “They want the insecurity to persist because as long as insecurity continues in the country, it’s an opportunity for them to rig the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

“They don’t care about Nigerians that are dying. They don’t care about Nigerians that are being kidnapped. They don’t care about the well-being of the people. They don’t care about the suffering of the people. They don’t care about good governance. All they care about is how they will rig themselves back to power using insecurity as cover.”

He urged the United States to exercise caution in its dealings with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence while asserting that “the government of today appears to be friends with terrorists.”

“I am calling on the United States government to be very careful in its dealings with the current Nigerian administration. The U.S. should suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security chiefs,” he said.

The activist alleged that despite the security assistance Nigeria has received from international partners, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate.

“There appears to be a pattern where the government continues to receive security assistance and aid from the United States and other international partners, yet insecurity keeps worsening,” he said.

He said Nigerian soldiers were still losing their lives in the fight against insurgency and banditry despite military equipment and support provided by foreign partners.

“Today, Nigerian soldiers are dying in large numbers despite the equipment and support provided by the United States and other countries. With the level of support Nigeria has received, the war against insecurity should have made significant progress,” he said.

The activist called on President Trump to take decisive steps against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and act independently if necessary.

“We are appealing directly to President Donald Trump to take a strong and decisive stand. If the United States truly wants to help Nigeria defeat terrorism and make the country great again, it should be prepared to act firmly against the terrorists responsible for the violence,” he said.

He added that such actions should not depend solely on cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

“The United States should be ready to take bold steps in confronting terrorist networks threatening Nigeria, even if it means acting independently like it did on Christmas eve against those responsible for the violence,” he said.

Frank who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, also called on the United States Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria and support measures that would address insecurity and strengthen democratic processes.

He further urged the United States to support credible democratic processes in Nigeria, noting that free and fair elections would help strengthen governance and stability.

According to him, decisive international engagement could help address the security challenges facing the country and support efforts to restore stability.

“If the United States truly wants to assist Nigeria, it should help ensure peace, security and credible democratic processes. That is how Nigeria can move forward and become stable and prosperous again,” he said.

He added that strong international support could help Nigeria overcome insecurity and rebuild confidence in governance.

“With the right actions and international support, Nigeria can defeat terrorism, restore stability and move toward a future where the country can truly become great again,” he said.