In a continued effort to address Nigeria's housing challenges, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) on Wednesday performed a groundbreaking ceremony at Ofada, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The ceremony marked the commencement of construction for the FHA Gateway Estate, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, and attended by numerous dignitaries.
FHA Chief Executive Highlights Presidential Mandate
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ojo stated that the Authority is adding houses to the national housing stock in compliance with a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, issued when the FHA management assumed office about two years ago. He emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it represents another step in fulfilling the express mandate given by the President.
“Today’s event is very significant to us in the Federal Housing Authority as we again commence the addition of about 200 housing units to our national housing stock, another step in the fulfillment of the express mandate given to our management by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when we were appointed about 2 years ago,” he said.
Project Details and Partnership Model
The project is a partnership between the Federal Housing Authority, Greenpasture Homes, and Akkenog International Company Ltd. It is expected to deliver 95 units of two-bedroom and 100 units of three-bedroom terrace duplexes. Hon. Ojo explained that the FHA brings a tripartite partnership, its expertise, and technical ability, which have made the agency a foremost housing delivery entity in the country.
He described the Public Private Partnership (PPP) as one of the Authority’s housing delivery models, which it intends to use extensively across all regions of Nigeria. By adopting and emphasizing this partnership model, the Authority underscores that the nation’s housing solution cannot be left solely to the government. Therefore, he called for more viable partnerships and announced the Authority’s readiness to collaborate.
Commendation for President Tinubu’s Housing Reforms
The FHA boss commended President Tinubu’s numerous achievements and giant strides in revolutionizing the housing sector. He expressed particular satisfaction with the reconstruction of the Shagamu-Owode road, which runs through the FHA Gateway Estate, by the current administration, adding tremendous value to the estate. He called for more patience from Nigerians.
Hon. Ojo sought the cooperation of the host community to ensure peaceful delivery of the project for the benefit of Ogun State residents.
Remarks from Other Officials
Earlier, the Executive Director of Estate Services and Chairman of the FHA Groundbreaking Committee, Arc. Ezekiel Nya Etok, commended President Tinubu’s housing strides. He noted that the current administration has accomplished much since assuming office, even surpassing its predecessors. Arc. Etok predicted that within a short time, Nigerians would be echoing “Asiwaju” houses, similar to how Jakande houses were mentioned in the 1980s.
Giving an overview of the project, FHA’s General Manager of Partnerships, Arc. Peter Okpanachi, noted that the estate promises to be a delight for allottees and residents, combining serenity, safety, and comfort to create an environment that would be the pride of Ogun State.
The MD/CEO of Akkenog International Company, Pastor Kehinde Akinwunmi Ogunusi, one of the partners, highlighted that the partnership process was thorough and destined for huge success, expressing gratitude to the FHA for choosing to partner with them.
Similarly, the MD of Greenpasture Homes Ltd, Engr. Oloyede Oluwale, noted that the project remains a top target for the company. He affirmed that Greenpasture Homes Ltd is fully committed to the successful development of the estate, in accordance with approved designs, specifications, timelines, and standards provided by the FHA. He pledged that quality would remain their watchword throughout every construction phase.
Allaying fears of intending investors and subscribers regarding project abandonment, Engr. Oloyede emphasized that Greenpasture Homes is deeply committed to the project’s success, given its reputable partner, the Federal Housing Authority. “This project represents a strong and visionary Public-Private Partnership involving the Federal Housing Authority, Akkenog International Company Ltd, and Greenpasture Homes, where FHA is providing the technical oversight, regulatory guidance, branding, and institutional support,” he said.
