The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture has inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Point of No Return at Gberefu Island in Badagry.
The committee was accompanied by top officials of the state Ministry of Works and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture on the inspection tour.
The visit was prompted by media reports alleging that the reconstruction project was being executed with substandard materials and poor workmanship.
Addressing newsmen during the visit, the Chairman of the committee, Dr Bonu Solomon, who is also representing Badagry Constituency 1, said the Assembly deemed it necessary to investigate the allegations and obtain firsthand information on the progress and quality of the project
According to him, the oversight exercise, approved by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, was aimed at ascertaining the true state of work at the tourism site.
Responding to the allegations, Mr Adejoh Oshaba, the Project Quantity Surveyor, dismissed claims of substandard work, describing them as unfounded and premature.
He said the construction activities started about five weeks ago, with work presently focused on the walkway and rehabilitation of the Point of No Return monument.
Oshaba noted that the project was still at an early stage and had not reached a level where any meaningful assessment of its overall quality can be made.
“The reconstruction is still in its infancy. We have only commenced preliminary works, and it is too early for anyone to conclude whether the project is of good or poor quality,” he said.
He further stated that his company had a proven track record of executing quality projects for the Lagos State Government and assured stakeholders that the Point of No Return project would meet the highest standards upon completion.
He expressed confidence that the first phase of the project would be delivered within the six-month contractual period.
The inspection team was taken around the project site by Oshaba, who provided detailed explanations on the various stages of the reconstruction work.
Speaking the inspection, Solomon stressed the importance of community participation and urged the contractor to maintain a cordial relationship with residents and traditional leaders in the area.
He specifically encouraged the Baale of Gberefu Island, Chief Semande Hungbo, and other community stakeholders to take ownership of the project by closely monitoring its execution and ensuring quality delivery.
He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving and funding the reconstruction of the historic monument, describing the project as another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to preserving Badagry’s rich heritage and boosting tourism development.
He also commended the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for his leadership and approval of his committee’s visit to the project site.
The chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of work carried out and the quality of materials being used on site.
He, however, urged the contractor to remain committed to delivering the project within the agreed timeframe.
Also speaking, Mr Abdulkareem Jubreel, representing Agege Constituency II and a member of the Committee emphasized the significance of the Point of No Return as a major tourism asset for both Badagry and Lagos State.
Jubreel urged the contractor to adhere strictly to quality standards and project timelines.
Mrs Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
Officials from the Ministry of Works equally commended the pace of work while urging the contractor to sustain quality and ensure timely completion in line with contractual agreements.
In his remarks, the Baale of Gberefu Island, thanked the Assembly committee, and government officials for the inspection visit.
He assured them that the community would continue to monitor the project closely and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that quality standards are maintained throughout the reconstruction process.
He added that the work executed so far had met the expectations of the community and expressed optimism that the completed project would further enhance the historical and tourism value of the Point of No Return.
