Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has flagged off the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Renewed Hope Housing Estate, situated at Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Eno expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the choice of Akwa Ibom as the pilot state to host the FHA Renewed Hope Estate.
“I want to thank the Federal Housing Authority for their collaboration, and for making Akwa Ibom the first state that the Renewed Hope Estate will be flagged off. We have housing deficits in Akwa Ibom and across the country, and we need to collaborate with the centre to make this happen.” Governor Eno said
He announced that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development had also been allocated 50 hectares of land for another housing project and pledged continued partnership with the Federal Government.
“We do not play politics with the welfare of our people, because the primary existence of government is for the welfare and security of its citizenry. We are developing the aviation village, the medical city, the judiciary village, and luxury housing estates. These are all designed to take care of the housing deficit in our state.” he added.
Governor Eno while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development, assured the FHA of the state’s full cooperation and a peaceful environment necessary for the success of the project.
“We remain one of the most peaceful states in this country where people can live, work, and invest,” he said.
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The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo, described the event as historic, noting it was the first time since 1973 that the Authority was commencing a housing estate in Akwa Ibom State.
“This event marks the flag-off of the FHA Renewed Housing Initiative as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Your Excellency graciously gave us this prime land and the support that encouraged us to begin here. You have kept every promise you made.” he said.
He added that the project would generate jobs and provide quality shelter, assuring that:
“We are starting the fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of renewing the hope of Nigerians in putting roof over their heads in livable and affordable houses.Over 60 percent of these housing units, when completed, will be allocated to the people of Akwa Ibom State,”
The Chairman of the Uruan Local Government Area, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpenyong, commended both the President and the Governor for their vision and assured that the community would provide full support.
“Your Excellency, we must thank our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for ensuring that this idea comes to life. We want to assure you that the security of this area will be ensured.” he said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Groundbreaking Committee and Executive Director of Estate Services, FHA, Architect Eziekiel Nyaetok, lauded the Governor’s commitment to housing development.
“We are not just coming to build a housing estate; we are coming to build an ecosystem. We unanimously agreed to start from Akwa Ibom State because of the way you received us and the quality of land you gave,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Ibom Mortgage Bank, Mr. Peter Udo said the collaboration marked a “major shift” in housing finance for Akwa Ibom workers.
“Gone are the days when workers waited till retirement to access their housing fund contributions. Ibom Mortgage Bank will ensure every contributor to the National Housing Fund can benefit from this scheme.” he stated.
Also, the Managing Director, FHA Mortgage Bank, Mr. Hayatudeen Auwal, assured of the bank’s readiness to support the scheme saying;
“Our Mortgage Bank is ready and willing to key into this project. We have existed for over 25 years and remain committed to helping workers access affordable housing.”
The event, described by stakeholders as historic and transformative, marks a new phase in the drive for affordable housing and grassroots development for civil servants in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The collaboration with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) aligns the State ARISE Agenda with the National Renewed Hope Agenda’s shared vision of improving citizens’ welfare, creating jobs and addressing housing deficits.
Olusola Akintonde