Shitta Bey Family Ready to Redevelop Burnt GNI Building Site, Seeks Talks With Lagos Govt
The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has announced the readiness of the Shitta Bey family to promptly redevelop the land hosting the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Lagos Island, which was recently damaged by a devastating fire outbreak.
The 25 storey building was gutted by fire in the days leading to the Christmas celebrations, leaving the structure severely compromised. Following an on the spot assessment, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu, declared that the building would be pulled down through a controlled demolition after it suffered partial collapse.
The inferno, before it was fully contained, also spread to nearby structures, including the historic Shitta Bey Mosque and Oluwole Plaza, causing extensive damage.
Speaking after an emergency meeting convened by the Shitta Bey family, the President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Alhaji Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole, disclosed that the family had resolved to redevelop the land within a short period.
Alhaji Danmole explained that the family was concerned about the possibility of the government taking possession of the land after the controlled demolition, stressing that the site remains the only property left to the Shitta Bey family, following the government’s acquisition of large portions of their ancestral land in the area over the years.
He added that the family is open to engaging the Lagos State Government and is willing to hold discussions to clearly demonstrate its capacity and commitment to redevelop the land.
On behalf of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Alhaji Danmole expressed sympathy with business owners and residents who lost loved ones and means of livelihood in the unfortunate fire incident, describing the development as deeply painful.
