By
Princewill Oviesan Deduke
Festac Town, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated housing estates and a legacy of the historic Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77), has continued to face numerous challenges ranging from deteriorating infrastructure to poor road networks and declining public amenities. Concerned by the steady decline of the once-admired community, residents under the banner of Take Back Festac Advocacy Movement have intensified efforts to draw government attention to the pressing issues confronting the estate.
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Speaking during the first anniversary celebration of the movement, the President of Take Back Festac amuwo Advocacy, Comrade Valentine Uduebor, explained that the initiative was born out of the urgent need to restore the lost glory of Festac Town and advocate for sustainable development within the community.
According to Uduebor, Festac was once regarded as a model residential estate in Nigeria, boasting well-planned infrastructure, organized road networks, and a vibrant social environment. However, years of neglect, inadequate maintenance, and population pressure have left many parts of the estate in a deplorable condition.
“The essence of this advocacy is to bring government attention to the ugly state of our beloved Festac Town. Our roads are deteriorating, drainage systems are failing, public facilities are decaying, and the environment that once made Festac the pride of Lagos is gradually disappearing. We cannot continue to watch silently while the estate loses its identity,” he stated.
He acknowledged some efforts by government agencies and stakeholders in addressing portions of the infrastructure deficit. Uduebor commended the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, for initiating road rehabilitation projects within parts of the estate. He also recognized the intervention of Lagos State road agencies and the support received from the Presidency in drawing attention to critical infrastructure needs in the area.
Despite these interventions, he maintained that much more needs to be done to comprehensively address the challenges confronting residents and restore the estate to its former status.
Also speaking at the first anniversary event, the Vice President of the movement, Chief J.J. Ibeka, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility among residents. He called on all Festac stakeholders, community leaders, landlords, tenants, youth groups, and professional associations to rally behind the advocacy movement.
According to Ibeka, the restoration of Festac cannot be achieved by government efforts alone but requires active participation from every resident who desires a better environment.
“Take Back Festac Amuwo, is not just a slogan; it is a call to action. Every resident must play a role in ensuring that our community regains its dignity and attractiveness. Together, we can influence positive change and secure a better future for generations to come,” he said.
The anniversary celebration also featured remarks from Dr. Primus Emenuga, who reiterated the need for deliberate actions aimed at returning Festac Town to its enviable position among Nigeria’s leading residential communities.
Dr. Emenuga noted that the estate possesses enormous historical and cultural significance that must not be allowed to fade away. He stressed that the restoration of infrastructure, environmental sanitation, security, and urban planning must remain priorities for all stakeholders.
“Festac must return to its old glory. We owe it to those who built this community and to the younger generation who deserve a functional and beautiful environment. The challenges are enormous, but with unity and commitment, meaningful progress can be achieved,” he remarked.
Beyond the advocacy discussions, the event served as an opportunity for residents to reflect on the journey so far, celebrate achievements recorded within the past year, and strengthen bonds among community members. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as old friends and neighbours reunited, sharing memories of growing up in the estate during its golden years.
Guests were entertained with music, dancing, networking sessions, and social interactions that underscored the strong community spirit that has continued to define Festac despite its challenges. For many attendees, the gathering was not only a celebration but also a renewed commitment to the vision of rebuilding and repositioning the estate.
As the movement enters its second year, stakeholders remain optimistic that sustained advocacy, strategic engagement with government authorities, and active resident participation will accelerate the transformation of Festac Town.
Core Objectives of Take Back Festac Amuwo, Advocacy
1. To restore Festac Town to its former glory as a model residential estate.
2. To advocate for the rehabilitation and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
3. To attract government attention and intervention towards the estate’s developmental challenges.
4. To promote community participation and resident engagement in developmental initiatives.
5. To improve environmental sanitation, security, and urban planning within the estate.
6. To preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Festac Town.
7. To foster unity among residents and stakeholders for sustainable community development.
8. To ensure accountability from relevant government agencies responsible for infrastructure and public services.
The first anniversary of Take Back Festac Amuwo, Advocacy demonstrated that the passion to rebuild Festac remains strong among residents, and with continued collaboration, the dream of restoring the estate to its former prestige may yet become a reality.
