There is something refreshing and exotic in Victoria Garden City fondly called VGC. It is arguably the most organized, serviced, and ideal living environment in the country today.

• Aerial view of VGC Photo: Sun News Publishing

If only VGC were an “island in the stream”, as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton the gorgeous duo, would have you croon. But it is not, because the residents have to go out to earn their living in the larger Lagos. In the evening they are back to refresh in their beautiful haven.

Living in VGC, which was built by H.F.P Engineering Nigeria Limited, has become, and for many, a symbol of success, of having arrived in the mainstream of life. It is a sonic reflection of the power of the wallet, handbag and stuff with the big bucks, which is the preserve of a few lucky ones. And as a clownish pal of yours sincerely would put it; such people who are isolated from Frantz Fannon’s Wretched of the earth must be the trustee’s of God’s wealth on earth.

According to this friend, Daddy God would position one strong man (sic), give him a handbag of money and count one to ten lesser men to follow the “strong man” for their own source of livelihood and survival. If the thinking in this discourse is anything to go by, most residents, if not all of VGC must be some of the strong men (and women), using my friends words, nominated by God to be trustees for the lesser mortals.

Victoria Garden City is a uniquely planned comprehensive housing scheme comprising residential houses, flats, and commercial buildings. It is a beautiful enclave positioned on a 200-hectare land by the scenic and tranquil shore of the Lagos Lagoon on the Lekki Pennisula. It is designed to create an ideal living and recreational environment for a population of over 30,000 residents.

Development of VGC began in December 1992 and has quite not abated because some individuals are still building new private houses. Even now, some plots are yet to be developed in the latter development phase. Remarkably, H.F.P has stopped the prototype houses and are no longer involved in actual development. The newer houses are customized – built to taste, style and specifications of individual owners. One is therefore likely to find the grandest houses in the zone.

Definitely, H.F.P would still retain some of its powers to enforce rules and regulations of specifications governing every one of such private developments. However if the truth must be told, while the best collection of houses [the types that are used to shoot scenic movies] is likely to be found in Park View, for the ideal environment, VGC is simply unbeatable. This is not to mean that it is perfect but it is about the best in our clime.

The original scheme was geared toward prototype houses of various designs with imaginative but practical use of space to suit different needs and budgets. Each type had its unique appeal and blends perfectly with the surroundings. The types include Gemini, Topaz, Mayfair, Lagoon and Regency, the top of the rack. The greatest point in VGC is in the way and manner the houses, open-spaces and recreational centres are synchronized in perfect harmony. It reminds one of FESTAC Town in its glory days. Perhaps if FESTAC Town were a private scheme like VGC, it would have retained same character.

Serving the leisure needs of residents of VGC is a recreational park of about 50,000 square metres, said to be the largest in the country. There are well-marked portions for places of worship, schools, health institutions, a country club, The Meidan Hotel [just by the entrance gate] and other recreational facilities developed by private companies.

The area is adorned with beautiful flowers, plants, lawns, and walkways. A network of T-ended cul-de-sac streets is used to give residential properties maximum seclusion and security. The commercial area consists of a shopping complex, office buildings, and a fuel station. The area accommodates the Police station and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc sub-station. Also there are the Fire Service stations, Post Office, and shuttle bus service that runs through the estate since buses are not allowed.