Paul Onwuanibe, the chief executive Officer of Landmark Africa Group, has made swift u-turn about the proposed construction of the Lagos-Calabar Highway, describing it as a laudable project that should enhance tourism rather than destroy it.
Paul has stated that the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway may not affect the Landmark Beach Resort.
He said this on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, addressing growing public concerns and media scrutiny regarding the highway’s construction and its potential effects on Landmark Beach’s operations.
The Landmark boss disclosed that after Dave Umahi, the minister of Works’ visit to the resort, he was optimistic that discussions would protect Landmark Group’s tourism platform, including Landmark Beach, its independent businesses, and thousands of associated jobs.
Paul, who was full of thanks against the background of the auspicious visit of the minister for works to Landmark ecosystem to see first-hand the infrastructure, independent businesses and tourism platform on the Landmark Beach.
According to him, “Further to the recent visit made by the Federal Minister of Works to the Landmark Ecosystem, I would like to thank the minister, Senator David Umahi, for taking the time to visit and see first-hand the infrastructure, independent businesses, and tourism platform on the Landmark Beach.
He said “Despite Senator Umahi’s busy schedule, we appreciate his concern for our industry. I remain hopeful that the ongoing discussions and deliberations will conclude in such a way that will preserve the Landmark Group’s tourism platform, the core of which is the Landmark Beach, the independent businesses, and the thousands of associated jobs,” the post read in part.
Onwuanibe declared support for the construction of the coastal road, describing it as an opportunity to enhance tourism. He maintained that his advocacy for win-win solutions aimed to protect Landmark Beach and uphold the aspirations of the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on maintaining the tourism destination.
“I want to make it clear that we believe the construction of a coastal road is a laudable project that should enhance tourism rather than destroy it. Hence, our request is to consider win-win solutions that save Landmark Beach.
“Our only motivation is to preserve the hopes and aspirations of the thousands of families of the workers who have devoted their time to creating and sustaining the most visited leisure, lifestyle, and tourism destination on the West African coast.”
Recall that in March, the Federal Government said it had commenced the construction of a 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna, in Abuja.
It came a week after the Federal Executive Council approved a contract worth N1.07tn for the first phase of the highway’s construction.
The works minister said the 47.47km dual carriageway would have five lanes on each side and a train track in the middle.
Umahi explained that it formed part of the 700km road spanning nine states, with two spurs leading up north, noting that the facility would be constructed with concrete.
