…Femi Johnson Broking House
This week our focus is on this landmark building in Ibadan, the land of many #Firsts in the sub Saharan Africa and our destination is popular high rise edifice called Femi Johnson House, Broking House or Glass House in the heart the ancient city.
This beautiful super structure which has been glittering and standing like Gibraltar since 1982, has its peers in countries like US, China, Japan and other advanced countries but now we have many other beautiful building like this across the country. However it can’t be overlooked or deemphasized.
Even as Ibadan residents many people know little or nothing about it or might have been forgotten. The other taller building 🌇 “Cocoa House” takes off its shine and dwarfs its popularity. Despite being majestic and royal it still looks lonely perhaps due to dwindling economic activities affecting the nation. Not many activities seen in and around the place. But it still looks intimidating. Its Nigeria’s first curtain wall high rise building.
The owner Olufemi Johnson was a reputable and fine insurance broker and the first insurance company to have its operations computerized in 1978. Olufemi Johnson was born into family 👪 of Mr n Mrs Joshua Motedola Johnson of #Yaba in Lagos, he was born 🐣 in 1934 and answered the call of his Maker in 1987, aged 53. He was older brother of Late former governor of Lagos state Late Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson. Mobolaji Johnson was Nigeria’s Army Brigadier who served as military administrator of the Federal territory of Lagos from 1966 to 1967 under General Aguyi Ironsi and subsequently under General Gowon he became governor of Lagos from May 1967 to July 1975.
Oops 😖 he left so soon but his indelible mark and impact on mankind and also legacies live after him. He attended CMS Grammar School, Reagan Memorial Baptist School and the Baptist Academy. He started work after leaving school, and studied #privately to qualify as an Insurance Broker. He worked with Law Union And Rock in Lagos, helped set up their Ibadan branch office. In 1969 he became independent and founded his own insurance company Femi Johnson and Co Insurance firm.
The company is now acquired by another international insurance firm called Marsh Africa.
He was a quiet 😶 philanthropist who championed many charitable causes, among is Annual Femi Johnson Prizes awarded to students by the Insurance Institute of Nigeria 🇳🇬 and University of Lagos UNILAG.
The greatest physical legacy he left behind is the Glass House also called “Broking House” (Broking is taken from the Insurance terms)
The 12 floor building 🌇 was completed in 1982, it currently houses many business interests and enterprises like furniture show room, club house and the 9th floor is the office of Femi Johnson & Co now Marsh Africa.
Its the second tallest building after Cocoa House, facing defunct Kingsway Store. It is mostly built of glass. Its just a beautiful sight to behold.
As much as I wanted to tour the place and get uncommon facts, I met lukewarm reception of the manager of the company. Nonetheless I was able to take few pictures and got inside.
The elevator is still functioning though old. The reception area speaks of magnificence and as one enters there is giant picture of the late philanthropist. Everything oozes high taste and marks of opulence.
Did you know that he was an accomplished actor? Unknown to many Femi Johnson (FCIB) was an actor and singer who starred in many Drama productions and featured in Prof. Woke Soyinka’s “Kongi Harvest”.
At this juncture we shall cut the trip and return to our Kingdom, till next week when we visit another interesting place keep being Ariya Cityzen, stay Blessed and have favorable working week ahead.
“Don’t do what I don’t do, stay away 🏃 from trouble”
(Credits: Yinka Azeez, Google, Wikipedia)
Lanre Azeez Ariya Pilot
