By Abubakar Yunusa
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, on Tuesday said the agency was set to commence construction of the Renewed Hope Housing estates nationwide.
Ojo spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Umuahia, Abia State, describing the event as a demonstration of commitment to delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s housing initiative across the country.
“The event is our way of cementing our commitment in realising the construction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme in all the states of Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the decision to begin in Abia was deliberate, citing the support and enthusiasm shown by the state government and residents towards the project.
The FHA boss described Governor Alex Otti as a natural leader committed to the welfare of his people.
Ojo recalled that upon assumption of office, the President mandated the authority to provide affordable and liveable housing for Nigerians under the Renewed Hope initiative.
According to him, the directive was clear, apolitical and focused on national interest, prompting the management to visit 28 states in search of suitable land.
He disclosed that on May 9, 2024, Governor Otti provided 100 hectares of land for the project.
Ojo added that the authority had since intensified efforts to actualise the programme, noting that groundbreaking ceremonies had already been held in Akwa Ibom and Kaduna states.
He stressed that due diligence was carried out before commencement to avoid project abandonment.
“Situational contingencies have made us double-check before starting the project, so that we will not encounter major challenges that could stall the work once we start,” he said.
He assured residents of Abia that the authority would deliver on its mandate, adding that the project would go beyond housing to include infrastructure that enhances living standards.
Ojo also urged the host community to cooperate with the authority to ensure smooth execution.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Groundbreaking Committee and Executive Director, Estate Services, Arc. Ezekiel Nya Etok, commended the governor for his commitment to development and welfare.
He lauded Otti for facilitating the FHA’s entry into the state and reaffirmed the authority’s resolve to deliver the project.
The General Manager Partnership, Arc Peter Okpanachi, giving an overview of the project, said the Authority is set to construct about 12,000 units of various houses, which would cater for all the strata of the society.
He noted that the units would include bungalows, blocks of flats, terraces and detached duplexes to cater for different income groups.
Okpanachi added that the authority would deploy multiple delivery models, including direct construction, partnerships, and site-and-services schemes.
In his remarks, Governor Otti thanked the FHA management for partnering with the state, describing Ojo as honest and hardworking.
He urged Nigerians to set aside politics and religion in pursuit of development, warning that both often serve as distractions.
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