Eko Atlantic City: Turning Adversity To Prosperity

18th March, 2013

By Tayo Ogunbiyi

The story of the Eko Atlantic City is that of the unending efforts of man to turn natural adversity into prosperity. In 2003, erosion ravaged a good part of Victoria Island, with a very serious threat to Ahmadu Bello Way, whose border had partially collapsed into the sea.

Concerned about this development, the state governor at the time, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sought the help of experts with a view to stemming the tide of erosion which was threatening to swallow up the whole of Victoria Island. It was in the course of the study of the problem that it was revealed that if a wall was constructed on the original coastline, it would effectively check the course of the erosion. That is the origin of the Eko Atlantic City project.


When completed, the new city would be home to 250,000 people and a workplace of 150,000 others as it is planned as a mix of business and residential developments. The city is to have different districts with different offerings. It is being conceived and developed to be better than Manhattan in New York City and Dubai in United Arab Emirate when it is fully completed.

The project represents a peep into the future of Lagos as it offers a world-class infrastructure to facilitate the development of a new African city. With Lagos’ growing population and its attendant implications, Eko Atlantic City will help, in no small way, to widen the options available for socio-economic interaction in the state. In essence, part of the objective for bringing the city on board is to relieve the pressure on the ever enlarging population of the state. The 10 square kilometre city will have waterfront areas, tree-lined streets, efficient transportation systems and mixed-use plots that combine residential areas with leisure facilities, offices and shops.

The Eko Atlantic City project is basically a recovery and environmental protection plan whose main goal is to restore land lost to coastal erosion since the late 1950s and to offer a lasting solution to the erosion dilemma by providing a strong sea wall or revetment along the newly reconstructed coastline.
Lagos is not alone in this unending struggle between man and the forces of nature. Similar process has taken place in the Netherlands, large parts of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, parts of Dublin, Ireland, parts of New Orleans (which is partially built on land that was once swamp), much of the urbanised area adjacent to San Francisco Bay, including most of San Francisco’s waterfront and financial district, Mexico City (which is situated at the former site of Lake Texcoco), large parts of Monaco, 25% of Hong Kong Island, Mumbai, India and loads of individual islands, one of which the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai lies on.

A remarkable aspect of the Eko Atlantic City project is the Great Wall of Lagos which when completed will be over 8 kilometres long and will be topped by 100,000 five-ton concrete blocks which interlock loosely to form an effective barrier that dispels the force of the waves and provides the primary armoured sea defence. It will rise nine meters above sea level and – from scale drawing at the showroom of Eko Atlantic at the Bar Beach, Victoria Island – will almost encircle the new city. It would be a sight to behold. Presently, the Great Wall has gone past the halfway construction stage at 4.5 kilometres in length and is growing at the rate of about six metres a day. Former US President, Bill Clinton, said of the wall: “I am convinced that within five years, people will be coming from all over the world to see this wall”.


One is, indeed, delighted by the prospect of this new city that is expected to accommodate 250,000 people, generate employment opportunities for over 50,000 people and approximately 150,000 people commuting daily into the city to work and do business. The recent dedication of the 5,000,000 square metres reclaimed land for the development of the city reflects the determination of the state government and its other promoters to make the project a reality. One aspect of the project that is particularly fascinating is its tourism potentials, which when completed, would serve as an additional support to drive the nation’s tourism sector. The city, when completed, will become first choice for financiers and vacationers all over the world. It presents its occupants with world class facilities and infrastructure that makes working and living there a pleasure as it is expected to generate its power as well as its water.


Coming at a time when our dear country is being likened to a failed state in some circles, the project is an affirmation of the fact that Nigeria is capable of accomplishing greater feats despite its numerous challenges. This project is one of the good news that we will continue to talk about in this country for a long time to come. On completion, the city would not only create a tourist delight for people all over the world, but would contribute to the development of Nigeria’s economy in no small measure considering its window of enormous opportunities.

The Lagos state government and its partners on the project should be commended for keeping faith with their commitment towards the project. One is particularly impressed by the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Bill Clinton and other high calibre individuals at the recent dedication of the project as it represents the power of common commitment to the survival of human race on the planet. It is only in putting up such common fronts that we can successfully confront nature and its challenges across the world.

Aside being an audacious engineering and architectural statement, the city symbolises the enduring spirit of man to conquer nature. This is because the ability of human civilisation to survive and prosper on the planet has been a story of constant battle against nature. The symbols of that triumph are many across the world. The airplane is one of them. The Panama Canal is yet another. The European tunnel is another. The pyramid of Egypt remains an intriguing model of global edifice that stands as a brand testimony of the indefatigable depth of human capacity for survival.


While urging relevant stakeholders to join hands with the state government and its partners in the actualisation of this laudable project, one would like to echo the words of Bill Clinton during the re-dedication of the project: “People world-wide need to come together and do something specific and exhibit commitment to do something specific. No one in the world is powerful enough. No one in the world is wealthy enough to solve the world’s problem. But we can all do something to solve them and when people make a commitment, we expect them to keep it.”

•Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/03/18/eko-atlantic-city-turning-adversity-to-prosperity/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPWkiXCq2SI

cc nplfmod seun myn dd44

The Eko Atlantic envisioned and created by Asiwaju Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of All Ptogressive Congress( APC) during his time as Executive Governor of Lagos state hosted his opponents today.

This throwback is to acknowledge that where they gathered today is one of the brainwork and legacies of Asiwaju Tinubu.

Incidentally, at a time Asiwaju envisioned and created Eko Atlantic, HE Atiku was the vice president of the administration that was bereft of ideas on how to solve the raging bar beach problem.
God bless Asiwaju Tinubu .

Hnnnnm

Leave all these I will do this or that. That was the system of scam that was sold to us in 2015. Till date the nation is worse than it was .

If you can't come out to be questioned and speak for yourself for an event holding at your backyard, there is nothing you can do.

Vote wisely.

He should enjoy it with yemoja in peace. He envisioned it and still engaged his construction company, Hitech. Lagos isn't supposed to be a private entity or owned by an individual. Hope you know that already.

Nigeria can't be allowed to be taken over and ruled like a family business.

Massiveglory:
Leave or this I will do this or that. That was the system of scam that was sold to us in 2015.

If you can't come out to speak for yourself for an event holding at your backyard, there is nothing you can do.

Vote wisely.

All Nigerians want is for each candidate to use their legacies and track records to campaign.
If Asiwaju Tinubu did not create Eko Atlantic city, his opponents won't meet there today or perhaps would have been washed away by the raging Bar beach..
Let us appreciate Asiwaju Tinubu.

You keep putting out lies of emilokan and this and that. Even the eko atlantic you are talking of is not his project. Quit this lies and propaganda. Tinubu had 8 yrs in office and there was no eko atlantic.

Tinubu had 3 major achievements as governor.
1. Creating lcda's in lagos state which was said to be unconstitutional at that time.
2. Empowering agberos and touts in lagos.
3. Retaining lagos for the ACN.

Every other mentioned in tinubu are lies and propaganda. Ambode's 4 yrs beat tinubu's eight years in administration and infrastructure in lagos state.

FreeStuffsNG:

All Nigerians want is for each candidate to use their legacies and track records to campaign.
If Asiwaju Tinubu did not create Eko Atlantic city, his opponents won't meet there today or perhaps would have been washed away by the raging Bar beach..
Let us appreciate Asiwaju Tinubu.

Massiveglory:
Leave or this I will do this or that. That was the system of scam that was sold to us in 2015.

If you can't come out to speak for yourself for an event holding at your backyard, there is nothing you can do.

Vote wisely.

If you read my message yesterday, I said he'd not come. He can't sit or stand for 30 minutes. Tinubu should just rest. Osinbajo and fashola were there, he didn't prwsemt and support them. What's he looking for at age 86? It's God who appoints whoever He wants into power, not by the making of anyone. Those backing him already know he won't win. They just want to have their own share of his ill-gotten wealth ni.

Nigeria is greater than lagos. We will get it right in lagos next year

Massiveglory:
You keep putting out lies of emilokan and this and that. Even the eko atlantic you are talking of is not his project. Quit this lies and propaganda. Tinubu had 8 yrs in office and there was no eko atlantic.

Please tell his opponents to use their track records in public service to contest.
This is not too much to ask nah.
Asiwaju is the most brilliant , the most visionary and the most patriotic of all the candidates. Only bigots , envious naysayers will contest these legacies of Asiwaju which towers over that of all his opponents.

Wise up and vote wisely bro. Quit all these propagandas.

FreeStuffsNG:

Please tell his opponents to use their track records in public service to contest.
This is not too much to ask nah.
Asiwaju is the most brilliant , the most visionary and the most patriotic of all the candidates. Only bigots , envious naysayers will contest these legacies of Asiwaju which towers over that of all his opponents.

The only candidate with achievement of experience to show.......others r just making mouth

Massiveglory:
You keep putting out lies of emilokan and this and that. Even the eko atlantic you are talking of is not his project. Quit this lies and propaganda. Tinubu had 8 yrs in office and there was no eko atlantic.

Lol.

Some people filled with hate will never appreciate this. They are still busy arguing over shetima's dress.

The candidate they are marketing all over the place does not have a single structure or legacy that is still standing today.

Owopariola001:


Lol.

Even your post says it began in 2008. Check who was governor in 2008.
Idea is nothing until it is put to into effect.
Or Obasanjo can also lay claim to eko atlantic as his project.
Stop the propaganda.

Dude is old and sick that's the point

Eriokanmi:
If you read my message yesterday, I said he'd not come. He can't sit or stand for 30 minutes. Tinubu should just rest. Osinbajo and fashola were there, he didn't prwsemt and support them. What's he looking for at age 86? It's God who appoints whoever He wants into power, not by the making of anyone. Those backing him already know he won't win. They just want to have their own share of his ill-gotten wealth ni.

Nigeria is greater than lagos. We will get it right in lagos next year

Guy rest!

Tinubu is not new to this. I'm sure you're not a kid like many we see here and other social media platforms.
Tinubu has been doing his colloquium annually, addressing the challenges of the nation and giving his advice as to what should be done. This same event(s) has been attended by many greats across the nation, politicians, captains of industry, technocrats, etc. This same Tinubu do stand for hours while giving his speech on the podium.
Google is your friend if you want to confirm it.

Massiveglory:
Leave all these I will do this or that. That was the system of scam that was sold to us in 2015. Till date the nation is worse than it was .

If you can't come out to be questioned and speak for yourself for an event holding at your backyard, there is nothing you can do.

Vote wisely.

You're an idiot. This one is product of vision and the conference is holding there. Ask the other contestants what they've achieved in their respective domains.

Bodexman:


Guy rest!

Tinubu is not new to this. I'm sure you're not a kid like many we see here and other social media platforms.
Tinubu has been doing his colloquium annually, addressing the challenges of the nation and giving his advice as to what should be done. This same event(s) has been attended by many greats across the nation, politicians, captains of industry, technocrats, etc. This same Tinubu do stand for hours while giving his speech on the podium.

You're right and that was before. His health condition today can't cope with all that

Ok

sangresan:


You're an idiot. This one is product of vision and the conference is holding there. Ask the other contestants what they've achieved in their respective domains.

Leave them!

Their candidate is seeing this opportunity to shine as a new bee. This is the first time he's having a national clout. Where has he been all this while? What has been his contributions to national development. Even his state he couldn't live there after his tenure.
Tinubu has always been around addressing national issues through his annual colloquium being attended by many greats across the nation.
Peter Obi is a new comer joor.

Massiveglory:


Even your post says it began in 2008. Check who was governor in 2008.
Idea is nothing until it is put to into effect.
Or Obasanjo can also lay claim to eko atlantic as his project.
Stop the propaganda.

It's either you're suffering from dyslexia or you're just plain stupid.

Do you understand construction process at all?
Do you think Eko Atlantic City project is your typical 3 bedroom flat in a "potopoto republic?"

For your ignorant mind, there is Brief stage, Design stage, Tender stage, Mobilization stage,
Procurement stage, before Construction can start on site.
All these take process and time.

Learn or Perish.

Only Tinubu legacy and antecedents in economy, infrastructures and security are convincing and admirable for a better hope of better Nigeria for electorates.


You can imagine, the rest candidates have to come and enjoy Tinubu legacy where they have failed.

Security wise, Lagos is safest in Nigeria
Economy prosperity, Lagos is excellent
Infrastructure, Lagos is second to non

Just mention it.

Cityboy is the answer to a better Nigeria

An advice you need to take before voting the lying Pandora criminal

Massiveglory:
Wise up and vote wisely bro. Quit all these propagandas.

We will not have buhari 2.0 in this country.
Cry all you want come with your thuggery to the pool we go beat all of una, come to vote we pass una.

You tifnubu will not turn Nigeria to his Boko Haram drug entity

Bodexman:


Guy rest!

Tinubu is not new to this. I'm sure you're not a kid like many we see here and other social media platforms.
Tinubu has been doing his colloquium annually, addressing the challenges of the nation and giving his advice as to what should be done. This same event(s) has been attended by many greats across the nation, politicians, captains of industry, technocrats, etc. This same Tinubu do stand for hours while giving his speech on the podium.
Google is your friend if you want to confirm it.

XerXers:
Dude is old and sick that's the point

You all sound like a broken record. If this is all you have against Tinubu then Obi is done even before the election.
Show us his achievements in office.

So whose money is it and where will the profit go to? The same tifnubu pocket, he uses state money to do a project and covets it to his own just as he did with lekki toll gate?

Owopariola001:


It's either you're suffering from dyslexia or you're just plain stupid.

Do you understand construction process at all?
Do you think Eko Atlantic City project is your typical 3 bedroom flat in a "potopoto republic?"

For your ignorant mind, there is Brief stage, Design stage, Tender stage, Mobilization stage,
Procurement stage, before Construction can start on site.
All these take process and time.

Learn or Perish.

We should rather be asking us to show us tifnubu's achievement in office


What else do you want to say apart from these listed here?

ElSudani:


You all sound like a broken record. If this is all you have against Tinubu then Obi is done even before the election.
Show us his achievements in office.

Can we compare this to the idea of the pandora criminal saving n Obiano being the governor that executed all important project yet bastard lunatics n cursed fools from Igboland celebrate the failure while Jubilating on the arrest of the performing Obiano or like foolish miserable souls we have seen on SM the standard to judge igbos should be different from those to be use on other tribes.

Massiveglory:

Even your post says it began in 2008. Check who was governor in 2008.
Idea is nothing until it is put to into effect.
Or Obasanjo can also lay claim to eko atlantic as his project.
Stop the propaganda.

Mandate2023:
The only candidate with achievement of experience to show.......others r just making mouth

Spare us all these lies. That is the reason the country is in a complete mess. Tinubu this; Tinubu that. Where is the Tinubu to tell us how his party has deceived 200 million Nigerians?

Qtrpst4:
We should rather be asking us to show us tifnubu's achievement in office


What else do you want to say apart from these listed here?

You must have been living under a rock or you just came back from Mars. The internet in your hand right now will give you more answers than you can imagine.
But of course we know folks like you don't like to read.