FG redeems housing pledge to winners of 1994 African Cup of Nations

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Federal Government has allocated houses to 22 members of the Super Eagles in the National Housing Estates located in their preferred state of choice.

President Muhammadu Buhari, while speaking at the official commissioning of the Housing Project under the National Housing Programme (NHP) Phase 1 on Monday in Abere, Osun State, said it is better late than never to reward winners of the 1994 African Cup of Nations.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, stated that the motive of the Federal Government was beyond improving the human condition of living through the housing projects, but it is also an opportunity to fulfil its pledge to her citizens.

“But there is more to our message of change and improving the human condition in these housing projects. They make possible, that which had seemed impossible. It provides an opportunity to remember our heroes, the valiant Super Eagles, to whom our country made a promise of providing housing for winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations, which has remained unfulfilled before now.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is a great honour for me to redeem the promise Nigeria made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly. Anyone of them can pick houses from any of the 36 states. I invite you to pick from that which is being commissioned today. We had Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde amongst other super stars from our state.

“As the saying goes, it is better late than never and I have approved allocation to redeem the outstanding allocation to 22 members of the Super Eagles in National Housing Estate located in their state of choice, and their keys and title documents will be handed over at the commissioning in their state while the remainder of the housing is allocated to willing members of the public,” Buhari said.

The President further stated that his administration was committed to improving the conditions of the mass of the Nigerian people with her programmes and policies.

Also speaking, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was represented by the Director of Urban and Regional Development of the ministry, Mr. Moyoade Olasunkanmi Dumoye said government had completed and handed over 72 units of housing comprising 24 units in condominium (4- one bedroom, 16- two bedroom and 4- three bedroom), 28 units two bedroom and 20 units three bedroom bungalows.

He said the housing units are being allocated to members of the public in a non-discriminatory way saying anyone can apply for the houses by opening the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng.

According to him, this is to ensure that those interested are not inhibited by any artificial obstacles and allocations will be made on the basis of those who apply and pay on a first come, first served basis.

In his welcome address, acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Chukwunwike Uzo, explained that the Federal Government inaugurated a pragmatic National Housing Programme (NHP) for the construction of acceptable and affordable houses nationwide and that the first phase of the programme commenced in 2016, in 34 states and the FCT.

Uzo, represented by Mr. Mohammed K. Mohammed, said: It is a programme borne out of the present government’s desire to provide affordable housing for its citizenry. 

“The overall economic value chain arising from the housing construction activities is mostly beneficial to the Nigerian youths.

“For the benefit of Nigerian on this initiative, over 1,200 building contractors have been engaged under phases I, II and III of the programme since the inception in 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created. 

“During this period, the Ministry is undertaking the construction of over 6,000 housing units in 45 sites, out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 35 states and FCT.”

Osun State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Mr. Agunbiade Nathaniel, on behalf of the state government, thanked the Federal Government for the housing project in the state.

He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government has delivered the dividends of democracy to Nigerians through the provision of housing and other social interventions.

In his remarks, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, said the land for the housing project was provided by Ede people to the Federal Government.

Lawal said when the houses were being constructed, contactors and the people of Ede were engaged on the project, meaning they benefitted financially which in turn boosted the economy of the state.

He appreciated the Federal Government for siting the housing project in his domain saying the people of Ede people are grateful for the development opportunity avail their town.