From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to empower at least 1,500 individuals in all 8,809 wards across the country is expected to positively impact the poor and vulnerable populations.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State described the Ward Development Plan as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history, emphasizing that the policy will consider the unique needs of each ward.
This statement was made during the commissioning of free houses for 100 widows by the Family Homes Funds Limited, part of the Social Housing Project, at Rigachukun in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday.
At the event, Governor Uba Sani announced his plans to convene a town hall meeting with all elected officials and relevant stakeholders in Kaduna State to address the specific needs of each community.
He stated that the Family Homes Funds Social Housing Project “aligns with our administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing for the citizens of Kaduna State.”
“Access to safe, affordable, and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been collaborating with local and international investors to directly tackle our housing deficit,” he explained.
The governor also mentioned that they recently distributed houses to families of victims of banditry under the Qatar Sannabil Project, a joint initiative between the Kaduna State Government and Qatar Charity.
Additionally, he highlighted the recent launch of the construction of the 3,319-hectare Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa New Extension Layout and Urban Shelter’s 200-hectare housing project in Millennium City, Kaduna.
Furthermore, the Governor noted that the Nigerian Air Force, Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Housing Authority have initiated mass housing projects in Kaduna State due to the conducive environment created by his administration, along with attractive incentives.
He recalled that they had recently organized a successful International Housing Exhibition, which provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and share initiatives, explore emerging technologies, and propose practical solutions to the housing challenges in Northern Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Ademola Adebise, noted that the project “symbolizes renewed hope and restored dignity, particularly for the 100 resilient women empowered through this initiative.”
He added that the Social Housing Project “also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing lays a foundation for economic participation and an improved quality of life.”
“Through this development, FHFL has demonstrated a new model for social housing delivery in Nigeria—one that integrates home ownership with skills training, livelihood support, and climate-smart construction,” he continued.
“This project reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility. These homes are energy-efficient, incorporating solar energy and sustainable materials. By doing so, we not only reduce energy costs for these families but also set a standard for green living.”
“By deploying Expanded Polystyrene System (EPS) technology, we have achieved faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective housing that aligns with Nigeria’s low-carbon and climate-resilient objectives,” he added.
Mr. Adebise disclosed that each beneficiary has received extensive livelihood support training aimed at kickstarting small businesses and ensuring sustainable income generation.
“Each home has been provisioned with a cottage yard, allowing residents to grow, process, and sell agricultural produce at the bustling market and communal space located within the estate,” he said.
In his address, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, remarked that the project was inherited from the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Government is a work in progress. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to ensure that all initiatives started by his predecessor are completed and enhanced,” he stated.
According to him, the project represents a collaboration among the determined women who led the Adashe Cooperative and reached out to Family Homes Funds through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
“This couldn’t have happened without the local government, the state government, and the Federal Government, along with its agencies,” said Senator Bagudu.
He expressed his gratitude for the successful funding and delivery of the project to the widows free of charge, facilitated by both him and his counterpart in the Finance Ministry.
“I am not surprised that this first project took place in Kaduna because we have a Governor who will knock on every door and will ensure that no one is left behind in benefiting the community,” he concluded.
The Minister highlighted that Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated his passion for his people by prioritizing their needs and personally overseeing the completion of projects.
