Considering the housing saga in Lagos and how it has become a multi-layered challenge, I wanted a townhouse that would provide some sort of expansion of my other property. For many years, this vision was only trapped in my mind because I doubted that construction experts would execute the project to my satisfaction. It was already heavy in my thoughts to search for foreign construction professionals, as the experts in Nigeria had been consistent with serving ineptitude.
The dream was simple: to have a townhouse more like a parsonage that provides a sense of warmth, security, and functionality but also wraps these elements with outstanding aesthetics and modest sophistication. My experience in the past regarding construction always seemed beautiful and promising on paper but always ended with a disappointing execution. It’s either the construction process is unnecessarily dragged, consuming time and resources, or the professionals involved come up with subpar craftsmanship. This prior experience delayed the pursuit of this dream, which is expected to be mounted in Ilasan of Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State. While I approached the process with caution, I was hopeful to meet an expert that fits the required qualities of exceptional craftsmanship and professionalism that can translate beautiful designs on paper to reality with precision and exactness. It was in this process I crossed paths with Arc. Oluwabusuyi Adonis Fakanlu.
Apparently, Adonis is an architectural technologist, and in our first meeting, I opened up my concerns. As usual, the assurances were overwhelming; words that often don’t translate to reality. While I was mostly in doubt, I had a little part of me glowing with optimism, as he confidently spoke with depth. Not only did he listen to my fears, but immediately laid out a plan that gave a rundown of the construction from timeline to cost, building materials, quality control, and even feedback.
When the project commenced, the difference was clear, and I was left in awe. From the early foundation to the final finishing, it was obvious that this was handled by a detailed and meticulous professional. The level of precision demonstrated by Fakanlu is a clear representation of artistic professionalism, coordinating the project to meet my expectations, especially as the process incurred no delay.
Perhaps one of the most impressive things about the townhouse is the structural integrity the building possesses. Fakanlu considered the Lagos coastal climate situation and applied that to make the building durable, leveraging high-quality building materials well-engineered to assure longevity and withstanding possible environmental threats. He was attentive to the details I provided; every beam, colour, column, and wall was carefully and intentionally crafted to not only offer aesthetic appeal but also the functionality.
The expertise of Fakanlu was quite evident in the functional design of the interiors. The spaces were well thought out, giving room for the intrusion of natural light and ventilation. The house-maintained spaces with privacy. The rooms seemed like they had individual characters but all meet at a central point of cohesion throughout the entire structure. This is nothing but sheer creativity and practicality, and I’ll tell you for free that I was impressed with my townhouse.
The significance of meeting expectations changes a lot of narratives, as now I have hope in Nigerian architectural professionals again. I believe that there are some qualified hands in the industry. Not only did Fakanlu meet my expectations, but he also exceeded them. Unlike my traumatic construction experience with dragged project timelines, Fakanlu maintained the timeline from May 2014 to May 2015, with extraordinary structural finishing. While the technical aspect of his job was remarkable, the soft skills like communication he applied throughout the project were commendable. He always came through with updates and proactively identified challenges with solutions to them. He led his team efficiently, and all of this reflects one word: professionalism.
The awe of Fakanlu’s professionalism pushed me to recommend his expertise on other chapel-related projects, which include the design and construction of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church at Magbon Alade, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State completed in November 2021. This project was large-scale, and the required effort matched Fakanlu’s input. He stood that structure with functional elegance, focusing more on the practicality of the structure’s occupants.
Similarly, his work on the Staff Quarters for the Women and Girls Organisation in Lagos was commendable. He maintained the project timeline, finished with quality and engineered seamless construction processes. And also, his proficient contribution at the Bethany Chapel and External Works, Faith Plaza, Bariga, Lagos, was remarkable. There have been chapel designs, but this stands out. He wove spirituality into a harmonised tone of architecture. This reflects in the lighting, acoustics and the spatial dimensions, giving the chapel a distinct space for tranquillity and spirituality.
I can wholeheartedly say that Oluwabusuyi Adonis Fakanlu has a name synonymous with excellence in the construction, real estate and architectural space. He’s a profound professional always gunning for excellence. His unwavering craftsmanship allows him to bring visions to life, and because of these reasons, he’s currently top on my recommendations list.
My parsonage in Ilasan, Lekki Phase 1, is more than just a structure—it is a home that stands as a testament to his expertise and commitment to quality. Even while I embarked on this project with doubt, he made sure the end product delivers satisfaction.
To Fakanlu and his entire team, your work has not only given me a beautiful townhouse but has also restored my faith in the possibility of true excellence in construction and architectural design in Nigeria.
