The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has revealed that the Shitta Bey family is fully prepared to redevelop the site of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Lagos Island, which was recently devastated by a major fire outbreak.
The fire, which occurred in the build up to the Christmas festivities, severely damaged the 25 storey structure and raised serious safety concerns.
During a visit to the scene, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu, ordered that the building be demolished through a controlled process after parts of it collapsed.
The incident did not only affect the GNI building, as the fire also spread to neighbouring properties, including the Shitta Bey Mosque and Oluwole Plaza, leading to significant losses.
Addressing journalists after an emergency meeting convened by the Shitta Bey family, the President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Alhaji Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole, said the family had unanimously agreed to redevelop the land as quickly as possible.
According to him, the family is apprehensive that the land could be taken over by the government following the planned demolition, noting that it represents the last remaining property owned by the Shitta Bey family in the area, after previous government acquisitions.
Alhaji Danmole stated that the family is willing to engage with the Lagos State Government to present its redevelopment plans and demonstrate its capability to restore the site.
He also conveyed the sympathy of the Muslim Community of Lagos State to traders and residents who suffered losses as a result of the fire, praying for comfort and recovery for all those affected by the tragic incident.
