By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Federal Government has commissioned Phase One of the National Housing Programme in Ilorin in Kwara state .
This was contained in statement signed and issued by Blessing Lere-Adams Director, Press and Public Relations.
President Muhammadu Buhari who commissioned the housing programme was represented by Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed stated that the housing project was one of the projects undertaken by this Administration.
President Buhari said that the completion of the project is part of the fulfillment of the promise of change to improve the human condition made by the All Progressive Congress.
He disclosed that the micro, small and medium businesses that drive the economy were given the contract to build the houses and through them, the value chain of business activities witnessed a tremendous boost that impacted positively on ordinary Nigerians.
The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who was represented by the Kwara State Commissioner for Housing, Architect Aliyu Muhammadu expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola for making Kwara State one of the beneficiaries of the Federal Government Housing project.
The Governor also acknowledged the positive trickling down effect of the project in terms of job creation and long value chain of building construction and the general economic benefits to the people of the state.
The Governor further said, “ There is therefore no doubt about the unprecedented investment of the President in critical infrastructure across every part of Nigeria such as roads, bridges, housing, railways, water,education,power,energy and health infrastructure which all progressive minds will ever remain grateful for.”
The Works and Housing Minister,Babatunde Fashola,who was represented by the Director, Public Building and Housing Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Architect Solomon Labafilo informed the people that the Federal Government through his Ministry has delivered housing projects in 35 states of the federation.
He added that the completed housing project being commissioned has 76 units of houses comprising 4 units of one bedroom, 48 units of two bedroom, 20 units of three bedroom and 4 units of three bedroom bungalows.
The Minister said the design of the houses was determined by the outcome of a national survey which revealed the prevalent need for bungalows in the North and flats in the South.
He assured the people that the houses are offered to members of the general public without discrimination by opening the National Housing Portal, htpps:/nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng to ensure that interested Nigerian citizens are not inhibited by artificial obstacles and promised that allocations would be made on the basis of those who apply and pay first.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali represented by the Ministry’s Director of Survey and Zonal Director Housing North Central, Quantity Surveyor Pemi Temitope revealed that over 1200 building contractors have been engaged under phases 1,2 and 3 of the programme since its inception in 2016 and over 14,500 direct and 50,140 indirect jobs have been created.
He added that during this period, the Ministry had undertaken the construction of over 6,000 housing units in 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 35 states and the FCT.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Sulu Gambari represented by Kayode Sadiq, the Alagua Owode, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and prayed God to continue to bless, guide and protect him.
The Community Youth Leader of Asa Dam Dayo Atolagbe expressed the profound appreciation of the community to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Kwara State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for locating the project in their community.
He further appreciated the government for the good roads that were provided to link the housing estate and security maintenance in the area.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
