The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) on Monday, commissioned 100 units comprising two-and three-bedroom units at the FHA Estate in Ajoda, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The commissioning marked the first phase of a proposed 1,000-unit housing project in the area.
Speaking at the commissioning, Managing Director of FHA, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, said the initiative was in line with the Renewed Hope mandate given to the agency by President Bola Tinubu when its current leadership was appointed in February 2024.
“He gave us a marching order to renew the hope of Nigerians by delivering affordable housing for all.
“This place had been abandoned since 2018. We are here to correct what went wrong. This is just a phase, we still have 900 more units to deliver,” he said.
Ojo said the project would prioritise all Nigerians, including the informal sector, in subsequent phases.
“The informal sector must also benefit. They even have more resources than the formal sector. Nothing stops us from allocating 100 to 150 units to them,” he said, adding that studio apartments are also being planned for young Nigerians starting life.
The Managing Director assured residents of adequate security, and called on the Federal Mortgage Bank to step up public awareness on mortgage options available for prospective homeowners.
“We won’t disappoint Nigerians or Mr President. Under our administration, no project will be abandoned. Ibadan will get the full 1,000 units,” he assured.
In order to demonstrate appreciation for the traditional institutions that he said provided the land for the scheme, Ojo announced the allocation of a two-bedroom unit each to the Alajia of Ajia, Oba Akinsola Oladepo, and the Onisade of Isade, Oba Saliu Oguntayo, on behalf of President Tinubu.
Earlier in his remarks, FHA Executive Director of Project Implementation and Chairman of the Commissioning Committee, Engr. Remi Omowaiye, said the agency was embarking on similar affordable housing schemes in 17 states.
“The next commissioning will be in Abuja this August,” he disclosed.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, Alhaji Shehu Usman Osidi, said Nigerians can access mortgage facilities at 6% interest for a period of up to 30 years.
“It’s open to all Nigerians. Just walk into any of our branches to pick a form. We have zero tolerance for corruption,” Osidi said.
Representative of Greenwood Construction and Equipment Leasing Nigeria Limited, the developer of the property, Mr. Ige Ayeni, commended the Tinubu’s commitment to the housing for all initiative.
“This place was a forest before we moved in. Now, it is giving hope to Nigerians who had lost it,” he said.
Ayeni added that the project is not limited to government workers but also open to traders and artisans.
A traditional ruler, Oba Oladepo, commended the government’s efforts, but solicited for more infrastructural development in the estate, Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
“We want good roads, electricity and more intervention from the Federal Government,” he said.
Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State, Fatunola Timothy, called for security considerations in estate designs, including armouries and accessible security posts.
Meanwhile, Prof. A. Adenipekun, representing the subscribers, urged the FHA to expand housing for young professionals.
“We still have many doctors and health workers who need homes. When this is completed, subscribers will exceed expectations,” he said.
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