FHA Project: We’ve Provided Compensation For 900 Land Owners – Otti

Abia State government has provided funds to compensate about 900 land claimants for the proposed 1,200-unit housing project by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Umuahia, the state capital.

The state governor, Alex Otti, stated this during the groundbreaking of the project, stressing that over 800 of the claimants to the 100 hectares of land had been fully compensated.

“So, the remaining fewer than 100 people, please resolve your problem so that you can take your money. The money is sitting in the bank and is not earning interest for the state,” Otti said.

He urged those yet to receive theirs due to bank-related issues or disputes over rightful ownership to resolve such challenges promptly to access their funds, which are already lodged in the bank.

Otti thanked President Bola Tinubu for initiating the project, named Renewed Hope Estate, and the FHA for its commitment to delivering quality, affordable houses across the country.

He also reiterated his administration’s readiness to partner with the federal government and other relevant agencies to deliver people-oriented projects that will enhance the living standard in the state.

“The most important thing to our people is their welfare. We’re focused on providing them. That’s why we are here. Our people are blessed, and nothing’ll take us from our set trajectory”, Otti added.

In his address, the managing director and chief executive officer of FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, said the event speaks to the president’s commitment to realising the project in every state.

He explained that the hospitality and warm reception Otti gave his management team when they visited him in 2024 in search of land for the project remains indelible in their minds.

Ojo said, “His Excellency not only readily told us that his government has mapped out the land for us; he also promised to assist us in getting off–takers, true to his love of housing.

“We’re not only developing an estate, but we’re also going to create an environment that is the trade mark and signature the FHA is noted for, which would be the pride of Abians,” he said.

In his address, the commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumereije, pointed out that there is currently no such ongoing federal government project in the state.

The flag-off of this project, 18 years after it was proposed, is a clear demonstration of the progressive collaboration between the state and federal governments in all matters relating to the welfare and development of Abia.

“Under the administration of Alex Otti, it is always Abia First which heralds the rise of Abia across the different sectors, including the housing sector,” he said, lauding the FHA for initiating the project.

Similarly, his counterpart in the Ministry of Housing, Chiemela Uzoije, said the synergy between the state and the federal government is a bold attempt to address the shortfalls in housing needs in the state.

According to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Ukeje Ukpabi, the ministry was very happy that the project had seen the light of the day and thanked all who contributed to the efforts.