Abuja – December 31, 2023 – Viewpoint Housing News.
The Nigeria Police Force says, it has received a number of inquiries over the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex in Ikeja, Lagos, which is scheduled for demolition.
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday stated that, The complex, which is officially owned by the Nigeria Police Officer’s Wives Association and is reserved for the spouses of police officers and their families, must be properly established to enable the Force commence immediate construction of a modern shopping complex on the same land.
“The decision to demolish and reconstruct is predicated on the fact that professional opinion indicate that the structure as it is, constitutes a looming environmental hazard, as the site is prone to flood, and may be susceptible to sudden collapse, hence the need for immediate landscaping and reconstruction. The planned demolition and reconstruction will be in phases and is in good faith for the betterment of all concerned”, the statement added.
“All relevant legal requirements have been duly met,” the statement continued. The existing tenants of the complex have been duly notified of the impending demolition, allowing them to vacate the premises promptly. Appropriate measures have been implemented to provide them with temporary housing inside the same premises while the rebuilding is underway. On the advise of its experts, the relevant Lagos State Government agency has also been contacted, the necessary assistance has been requested, and the demolition permits have been secured.
According to the statement, Nigerians are now asked to dismiss baseless accusations, unfounded demonstrations, and media blackmail that imply the Force or the POWA have committed wrongdoing or broken the law. The demolition would proceed as scheduled, it said. Better welfare and living conditions for its employees and their families are the Police’s and its affiliates’ unwavering commitment. This includes the POWA.
