By Gabriel Princewill-
Tenants at Josh Fashanu’s massive estate in Abuja, Nigeria, have been given more time to catch up on their rent, after citing hard times in the country’s bad economic climate which has delayed some of his tenants who are still in arrears.
Nearly 20 of his many tenants faced the threat of eviction early this year, but most have now paid their debts, leaving a handful who had until today to pay their debts or find somewhere else to live.
Following tense negotiations, pleas, and assurances of how the debt will be settled by the end of August, the former soccer icon has confirmed that his tenants have been allowed more time to pay.
Popular Fashanu, who has been made ambassador to Wimbledon, where he scored many goals as a young player, has an estate of 88 houses in the second largest estate in Nigeria, known as Sun City, most of which he rents out to professionals and businessmen.
Evidence of income and affordability is a pre-requisite to moving into one of the most sought after buildings in the capital city, considered the highest rank in sophistication and splendour.
Residents who reside in Sun City are thought of as being well to do, not falling behind on their rent and subsequently citing the incertitude of their business or work arrangements . They co-exist with some of the most prominent and affluent people in that most refined part of the country, which on its own could be a country distinct from the rest of Nigeria.
Fashanu’s history as a well known ex talented footballer in the Uk in his day automatically makes him a highly valued member of the Nigerian society . His imposing figure, eloquent speech, and healthy pockets, makes him a worthwhile individual to know in a country where contacts is everything.
Fashanu was talented and accomplished player for England in his youth
However, some of his critics told our sources in Nigeria that given Fashanu’s riches, his drive and clamour for business is too much and that he needs to apply some brakes, and show some empathy to some of his unfortunate tenants going through a temporary challenge.
Fashanu who is currently worth £20m, has his hands in other properties in Nigeria and the Uk . Some associates of the indebted tenants have urged the former Wimbledon star to wave off the debts since he has money and does not depend on his tenant’s rent for his survival.
Responding, Fashanu said : ” I think those who think I should be letting people live in my property for free on the grounds that I have money, are delusional. They have no idea what I do with my money, and are in no position to tell me to let tenants live in my property for free. If every landlord allowed everybody to live in their property for free, they will defeat the object of being a businessman.
”I can allow some leeway and extensions, but there are no free bees, I’m afraid.
”I have a good relationship with most of the tenants I know closely, I don’t get to deal with the vast majority of them because they just pay their rent promptly into my bank account, and there is no drama. The ones I have to keep track of usually explain their situation, and I am patient with them, but at the end of the day, this is business, and there has to be a cut off point.
”I have extended deadlines a few times to some of them, and some pay, but after a while, one has to let them know that they must find a way to pay to continue occupying that space. Nothing is for free in this world, and as much as I sympathise with their situation, many of them have nice cars, family or business contacts, they just find a way to pay.
”Most of the debts owed the last time covered the story have now been paid, but I have granted the few still owing money some grace period to pay up. I don’t like chasing people for money, but bills have to be paid”.
British born Fashanu who moved from the Uk to Nigeria where he is treated like a king, has invested big in property, and despite being wealthy, told this publication that some properties were handed to him as gifts by friends and business associates in the country.
All of his tenants were accommodated on the verified grounds of regular income, but a number of them suffered setbacks caused by the uncertainties of life in a country where the economic situation for various families is highly volatile.
The Eye Of Media.Com learnt of the accumulating debts by a small minority of his tenants earlier in the year from third parties, following claims his indebted tenants were having panic attacks in fear of losing their accommodation the deadlines for their payment loomed.
Many months later a vast majority of his debtors found the money to pay their rent and secure the continuity of their abode at the property.
Fashanu said he had exercised plenty of patience with the tenants in debt, and confirmed that most were now up to date with their rent.
.Academy
Fashanu runs his own Academy at a big estate he owns, known as Sun City Estate, where he trains aspiring footballers, who spend 12 days with him, mastering their craft, after which they get a certificate. Thereafter, he seeks to sign them up in premiere league clubs where they can realise their dreams.
Various sports take place in his massive estate, including boxing, marshal arts, and several other sports.
Just one of the sporting facilities as Sun City Estate In Abuja
He is also the head of security in Abuja, with the most senior ranked officers answering to him.
Many highly ranked members of the society reside in his estate with secure sources of income, with a few waiting in queues to replace any tenant forced out for any reason.
Asked how the academy is going, and where the aspiring footballers stay during their time with him, he said: ”some of the property here is specifically to accommodate those youngsters who have a burning ambition to become future footballers. They stay for their training period, then leave when they finish, then a new set come. Every one of them is thoroughly vetted before they come here.
”I want to help the best undiscovered talents reach their highest potential, and my academy is open to talented and ambitious youngsters from anywhere in the world”.