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| The Main Entrance of the Bellview 117 Memorial Arcade, Lisa |
Last Friday March 17, your Africa’s
Number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika
paid a visit to Lisa village under Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State (South West Nigeria) It was
an impromptu visit as we were specifically in Lisa to cover a funeral ceremony. But our journalistic instinct
took a better part of us and we decided to visit the popular Lisa Memorial Arcade, site of the terrible Bellview Air crash of Saturday, October
22, 2005 that claimed the lives of 117 (One hundred and seventeen) Nigerians.
On getting to the site, we met some residents of the community which is fast
opening up with a booming real estate economy. However, getting down to Lisa from Ijoko (After Sango-Ota) was a equally a harrowing task as the road
leading to Lisa was not only in a
terrible condition but the over 15 minutes journey was quite tedious and
challenging as well. From Ijoko, you
are required to take a motor cycle (Okada) which is N200 naira per passenger.
Number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika
paid a visit to Lisa village under Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State (South West Nigeria) It was
an impromptu visit as we were specifically in Lisa to cover a funeral ceremony. But our journalistic instinct
took a better part of us and we decided to visit the popular Lisa Memorial Arcade, site of the terrible Bellview Air crash of Saturday, October
22, 2005 that claimed the lives of 117 (One hundred and seventeen) Nigerians.
On getting to the site, we met some residents of the community which is fast
opening up with a booming real estate economy. However, getting down to Lisa from Ijoko (After Sango-Ota) was a equally a harrowing task as the road
leading to Lisa was not only in a
terrible condition but the over 15 minutes journey was quite tedious and
challenging as well. From Ijoko, you
are required to take a motor cycle (Okada) which is N200 naira per passenger.
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| The Arcade…Now sinking to the ground |
On the bad road, you stand to suffer
terrible dust flying over your face and momentary galloping of the motorcycle
which jacks your anxiety from time to time. However, that is the road used by
those living in Lisa and neighboring communities. However, the sad part of the
tale is the fact that the 117 graves of the unfortunate Nigerians who died in
that ill-fated Bellview Plane crash
seems to have been abandoned to grass and rodents who are now the major
landlords in that eerie empire. Apart
from few of the iron bars placed in strategic places indicating the grave
numbers of victims which have rusted away, the land on which the arcade is
built, has started sinking as well. The arcade itself is left un-kept and befitting of the memory of the VIPs who died in that crash. Some of the
graves were also covered with dry grasses which shows a sign of total neglect
on the part of the care-taker(s). Although, the site of the crash is said to be
under the leadership of Ifo Local Government
Area of Ogun State. However, it
appears that the leadership of the LGA has long forgotten the site and left it
to its fate as just ‘an existing monument’. We met few of the residents of the Lisa community on the site who welcomed
our team. One of the resident who is not only disturbed with the state of the
road leading to Lisa from Ijoko but equally disturbed with the total neglect of
the Lisa Arcade by government at all
levels, volunteered to speak to Asabeafrika
on how the arcade has fared in the last 12 years. Enjoy the excerpts.
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| Mr. Michael Akintunde Oyelami, a very disturbed resident spoke with the GDA on the misfortune of the Arcade and the Area |
Can you kindly tell us your name,
sir?
sir?
My name is Michael
Akintunde Oyelami. The site we are standing can be said to be the main
purpose for the name Lisa, without Bellview
Air crash, there is is no Lisa.
It was when the aircraft accident happened that we started seeing the influx of
people into this area. We living in this area are thanking God for such
privilege. Even though it was a bad incident, but not withstanding, we know that
out of any bad event good things always manifest. And with the development
here, every year, every October which
is the month of the incident, we always look forward to seeing people coming to
pay homage to the memories of their loved ones that are buried here.
Akintunde Oyelami. The site we are standing can be said to be the main
purpose for the name Lisa, without Bellview
Air crash, there is is no Lisa.
It was when the aircraft accident happened that we started seeing the influx of
people into this area. We living in this area are thanking God for such
privilege. Even though it was a bad incident, but not withstanding, we know that
out of any bad event good things always manifest. And with the development
here, every year, every October which
is the month of the incident, we always look forward to seeing people coming to
pay homage to the memories of their loved ones that are buried here.
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| The Arcade under lock and key |
How often does that happen in the
last 12 years?
last 12 years?
Yes, people
do come but the influx is not encouraging. What I believe must have caused this
is the nature of the road network (Ijoko-to-Lisa Road network). The road people
use to transport themselves all the way from Ijoko down to this end. The road network is quite bad.
do come but the influx is not encouraging. What I believe must have caused this
is the nature of the road network (Ijoko-to-Lisa Road network). The road people
use to transport themselves all the way from Ijoko down to this end. The road network is quite bad.
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| Mr. Oyelami to Asabeafrika….’This place has been long abandoned by the authorities’ |
Why is that road like that? I saw it
yesterday and today as well. We learnt Julius Berger was given to build that
road before former Governor Gbenga Daniel gave it out to another contractor.
Can you tell us why you think the road is still in very bad shape?
yesterday and today as well. We learnt Julius Berger was given to build that
road before former Governor Gbenga Daniel gave it out to another contractor.
Can you tell us why you think the road is still in very bad shape?
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| The grave of a victim |
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Concerning
the political aspect of the road, I cannot give any explanation. But
geographically, this entire area lies on limestone and the impact of limestone
on this environment shows every now and then, especially during the raining season. This
area has a lot of potentials to be tapped by Government.
the political aspect of the road, I cannot give any explanation. But
geographically, this entire area lies on limestone and the impact of limestone
on this environment shows every now and then, especially during the raining season. This
area has a lot of potentials to be tapped by Government.
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| Other graves with dirt upon them |
So, you mean there is limestone here
as a natural resources?
as a natural resources?
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| The GDA inspects the entire area of the Lisa Memorial Arcade |
In fact from
this place down to Ewekoro, it all
lies on limestone. So, what we are
saying is that even if the federal government want to enjoy the full potential
in terms of geography, this road is the shortest linkage to Mowe-Ibafo.
this place down to Ewekoro, it all
lies on limestone. So, what we are
saying is that even if the federal government want to enjoy the full potential
in terms of geography, this road is the shortest linkage to Mowe-Ibafo.
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| Mr. Oyelami to Asabeafrika…’This land is blessed with limestone’ |
You mean this same road?
Yes, just at
the back of this road (pointed to the right direction), we have the shortest
route to Mowe-IBAFO just at the back
of that river. We have Mowe-Ibafo
road.
the back of this road (pointed to the right direction), we have the shortest
route to Mowe-IBAFO just at the back
of that river. We have Mowe-Ibafo
road.
You mean the same popular Mowe-Ibafo
on Lagos-Abeokuta Express Road?
on Lagos-Abeokuta Express Road?
Yes, in fact
you can easily connect the major Lagos-Ibadan express road up to Ibadan just from Lisa here. Less than 5 to 10 minutes drive. Yes, there is a small
river demarcating the road, where people cross with canoe and on getting to the
arable land, you take motor cycle to Mowe-IBAFO.
Very short distance. Just a good road network or a bridge will join the entire
space and bring development and equally create an ease of movement for
residents.
you can easily connect the major Lagos-Ibadan express road up to Ibadan just from Lisa here. Less than 5 to 10 minutes drive. Yes, there is a small
river demarcating the road, where people cross with canoe and on getting to the
arable land, you take motor cycle to Mowe-IBAFO.
Very short distance. Just a good road network or a bridge will join the entire
space and bring development and equally create an ease of movement for
residents.
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| Another Part of the Lisa Bellview Arcade |
Do you think government has neglected
Lisa village despite the geographical benefit and natural resources?
Lisa village despite the geographical benefit and natural resources?
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| Mr. Oyelami pointing to a portion of the Lisa road that leads to Mowe-Ibafo by 10 minutes drive if a durable road is constructed |
You can see
with what you are observing here. Even though we have a care taker in charge of
this arcade whom I don’t know if he is even being paid. So, if they can try to
look into the issue of this area particularly the Bellview Arcade it will be good for us. You can see
what they build for the Dana Plane crash
victims at Iju Ishaga, I have been
there. Maybe because that one is in middle of the city. But I can say this
place surpasses that of Ishaga. I mean the arcade of the June 3, 2012 Dana
Air craft victims, there is nothing stopping them from doing same here.
We have a large expanse of land here where government can build guest houses
for people who will come and pay last respect to their loved ones. So many
lands, and you can see that people are even developing their real estates here
already. The power system is okay, to get water is not difficult. If Government
can just pay little attention, the place will be okay.
with what you are observing here. Even though we have a care taker in charge of
this arcade whom I don’t know if he is even being paid. So, if they can try to
look into the issue of this area particularly the Bellview Arcade it will be good for us. You can see
what they build for the Dana Plane crash
victims at Iju Ishaga, I have been
there. Maybe because that one is in middle of the city. But I can say this
place surpasses that of Ishaga. I mean the arcade of the June 3, 2012 Dana
Air craft victims, there is nothing stopping them from doing same here.
We have a large expanse of land here where government can build guest houses
for people who will come and pay last respect to their loved ones. So many
lands, and you can see that people are even developing their real estates here
already. The power system is okay, to get water is not difficult. If Government
can just pay little attention, the place will be okay.
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| The GDA inspects some abandoned graves |
We learnt during the 10th
year anniversary of this place in 2015, there was no government patronage. Family members of the
victims came only to find an empty environment. Was it that government forgot
the date was at hand?
year anniversary of this place in 2015, there was no government patronage. Family members of the
victims came only to find an empty environment. Was it that government forgot
the date was at hand?
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| The GDA standing on a sinking portion of the arcade |
We living
here were counting the days, expecting that there will be influx of people and
activity. Of course, few families of the victims came but on getting to this
place, they met nobody on ground and there were no activities. It was even
through the intervention of the residents here that we were able to inform the
local government chairman at Ifo before they now sent in a
representative to be on ground to just have discussion with the visitors, no
special ceremony.
here were counting the days, expecting that there will be influx of people and
activity. Of course, few families of the victims came but on getting to this
place, they met nobody on ground and there were no activities. It was even
through the intervention of the residents here that we were able to inform the
local government chairman at Ifo before they now sent in a
representative to be on ground to just have discussion with the visitors, no
special ceremony.
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| The GDA taking a total inspection of the entire area |
(Cuts in) You mean, no food, no
drinking and no celebration?
drinking and no celebration?
Food ke?
That is too far (laughter), nothing.
That is too far (laughter), nothing.
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| The Board that displays the names of the 117 unfortunate Nigerians on the ill-fated Bellview Air Craft with their different sleeping wings |
So, can we practically say that Lisa
Arcade is forgoten by government?
Arcade is forgoten by government?
It has been
abandoned and forgotten. That is how we can qualify it, which is untenable.
abandoned and forgotten. That is how we can qualify it, which is untenable.
So, what do you think Government
should do to resuscitate the Lisa Arcade
and honor the memories of the heroes of
Lisa. I think it falls under ministry of aviation, culture and tourism and
internal affairs?
should do to resuscitate the Lisa Arcade
and honor the memories of the heroes of
Lisa. I think it falls under ministry of aviation, culture and tourism and
internal affairs?
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| The GDA inspects more area of the Lisa Memorial Arcade |
Lisa Arcade, we have to bring so many people not
only the ones you mentioned alone. We need the attention of the minister of
works, he should look into the project of reconstructing the road network and
put a viable road network that will enable free traffic from Sango-Ota to Lisa. Build a durable access road to lead us to Ijoko, to Sango and Agbado and
other parts of Lagos. He should start
thinking of such innovative solutions now. The presence of the minister of
culture and tourism is also desired to come and inspect the area and think of
what to do with the arcade. They should look for ways to spend our tax to develop this area. I
believe that civilization is not restricted to only the urban areas. Any
village that has necessities of life, anybody can stay there conveniently. And
let me tell you this, there is a mass movement of people from Lagos, especially, towards this area.
Government should please, come and open up this area and let people live
comfortably in Lisa. Number of people
living in Lisa constitute a huge
number of citizens living between the boundary of Lagos and Ogun State.
only the ones you mentioned alone. We need the attention of the minister of
works, he should look into the project of reconstructing the road network and
put a viable road network that will enable free traffic from Sango-Ota to Lisa. Build a durable access road to lead us to Ijoko, to Sango and Agbado and
other parts of Lagos. He should start
thinking of such innovative solutions now. The presence of the minister of
culture and tourism is also desired to come and inspect the area and think of
what to do with the arcade. They should look for ways to spend our tax to develop this area. I
believe that civilization is not restricted to only the urban areas. Any
village that has necessities of life, anybody can stay there conveniently. And
let me tell you this, there is a mass movement of people from Lagos, especially, towards this area.
Government should please, come and open up this area and let people live
comfortably in Lisa. Number of people
living in Lisa constitute a huge
number of citizens living between the boundary of Lagos and Ogun State.
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| The GDA inspecting a grave of a top civil servant who died in the plane crash. The grave is now covered with dry leaves and dust |
What about the road connecting Lisa
from Ijoko?
from Ijoko?
The nature
of the road is not good right now, they should do something urgent about it.
That is the road connecting from Ijoko down
to Lisa because it is quite expensive
living here than even living in the city. If you don’t have money, you cannot
live in Lisa because going out and coming back is quite expensive. Just to go
out into town and come in is a fortune. It is like going on a journey. And all
these are happening because the road network is terrible, going out is money,
coming in is money. So, they should try and work hard enough to make life
bearable for the residents of this area who were attracted to Lisa as a result of the plane crash. We
have been attracted to this place and government should do everything possible
well to ensure that we live in peace and harmony. People are still buying lands here because
land is quite affordable and civilization is taking the better part of Lisa.
of the road is not good right now, they should do something urgent about it.
That is the road connecting from Ijoko down
to Lisa because it is quite expensive
living here than even living in the city. If you don’t have money, you cannot
live in Lisa because going out and coming back is quite expensive. Just to go
out into town and come in is a fortune. It is like going on a journey. And all
these are happening because the road network is terrible, going out is money,
coming in is money. So, they should try and work hard enough to make life
bearable for the residents of this area who were attracted to Lisa as a result of the plane crash. We
have been attracted to this place and government should do everything possible
well to ensure that we live in peace and harmony. People are still buying lands here because
land is quite affordable and civilization is taking the better part of Lisa.
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| The GDA and his host take a sad look at the abandoned Lisa Memorial Arcade |
