Family Homes Funds Scheme: Kaduna Widows Get New Homes

Widows in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have expressed joy following their resettlement in a free housing estate provided under the Family Homes Funds scheme.

The housing project, developed in partnership with the Adashe Women Housing and Empowerment Society, is aimed at providing safe and dignified accommodation for vulnerable women across the State.

Speaking with journalists, the facility manager, Dr Mustapha Umar Kumshe, disclosed that although 100 housing units were allocated to beneficiaries late last year, many initially hesitated to relocate due to security concerns and infrastructure challenges.

“After the commissioning, there were gaps and glitches. Many beneficiaries were afraid to move in due to perceived insecurity and concerns about access roads,” he said.

Kumshe, however, noted that the situation has improved following strengthened security measures, direct engagement with beneficiaries and interventions to resolve internal issues within the estate.

He added that over 65 of the houses are now occupied, while the estate is fully equipped with water, electricity, solar-powered lighting and internet services.

He further recalled that the estate was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by Governor Uba Sani, ministers and other dignitaries, during which keys were formally handed over to beneficiaries.

Despite the official handover, he said uptake remained low in the early months due to misinformation and fear among the intended occupants.

According to him, the management subsequently intensified engagement with the beneficiaries and reinforced security within the estate, leading to increased occupancy.

Some of the widows who spoke with journalists expressed appreciation to God, the government and partner organisations, describing the intervention as life-changing and a dream fulfilled.

One of the beneficiaries, Fadila Tahir, said the accommodation has transformed her life, adding that she has since remarried after overcoming the challenge of shelter.

“I came here as a widow, but today I am married because the issue of accommodation is no longer a problem. I am grateful to Allah for this opportunity,” she said.

Another resident, Amina Alhassan, said the new home has significantly improved her family’s living conditions, noting that she now enjoys basic amenities previously out of reach.

“Before now, I lived in a single room with my children, but now we have a two-bedroom apartment with tiles, electricity and water. We are thankful to everyone who made this possible,” she said.

The development is widely seen as part of broader efforts to address housing deficits among vulnerable groups and improve social welfare in Kaduna State.