The serene shores of Breeze Beach Club at Landmark Beach in Lagos are being transformed before our eyes, as a massive wall of sand advances, accompanied by the relentless sound of concrete structures being torn down by bulldozers.
This transformation marks the end of an era for Breeze Beach Club, as it will never be the same again. The once bustling tourist spot is swiftly becoming a construction site, leaving business owners, workers, and fun-seekers in dismay.
The dreams for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway are materializing, but at a cost. The vibrant atmosphere of Landmark Beach is fading away, replaced by uncertainty and fear as businesses face eviction and demolition.
The situation has left many, like Clement the lifeguard at Breeze Beach, resigned to their fate. For Clement, no sea means no need for his services, a reality he grapples with as he watches the demolition unfold.
The plight of businesses at Landmark Beach took a turn for the worse when the Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Group, Paul Onwuanibe, received an eviction notice and demolition warning from the Lagos State government. The notice came without warning, throwing over 80 businesses and 4,000 jobs into uncertainty.
Despite assurances from the Works Minister Dave Umahi that only 15 meters of the shoreline and a few shanties will be removed, tension remains high among businesses at Landmark Beach. Many fear losing their livelihoods, as their structures are marked for demolition.
The impact of the demolition extends beyond business owners to employees like Chinenye and Josephine, who support their families with their earnings. The impending demolition means uncertainty and hardship for them and their families.
The demolition of Landmark Beach represents more than just the loss of a tourist destination; it signifies the loss of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of dreams. It is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses and individuals in Nigeria's ever-changing landscape.
Despite the challenges ahead, the resilience of the people of Landmark Beach shines through. They continue to fight for their livelihoods, hoping for a change of heart from the government. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of community and perseverance in the face of adversity.
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