The Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has inaugurated the construction of 500 housing units in both Delta and Akwa Ibom states respectively.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 250 housing units in Ekpan Community, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State over the weekend, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, said the programme was launched in February by President Bola Tinubu to provide access to affordable housing for Nigerians.
The minister said the initiative was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and build a $1 trillion economy.
He said the project was being funded from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget that Tinubu approved for the ministry, to ensure sustainability, quality, and geographic spread.
Dangiwa said the 250 units comprised 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
“Today’s ceremony in Delta is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
“With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development,” he said.
In his address welcome, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State thanked the Federal Government for the partnership.
Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the project would assist in tackling the housing deficit in the state.
Also speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of a 250-housing unit project, in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dangiwa stated that the implementation stage of the project would create massive job opportunities for youths.
The minister, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the occasion, said: “This project will create no fewer than 6,500 construction sector-based jobs for architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, Manson, plumbers, tilers, electricians among others.
“Today’s ceremony is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Government.
“The current administration plans to deliver no fewer than 50,000 housing units across the federation under the first phase of this programme,” he said.
He urged the developers, Messrs Trust Global Limited, Springwell Intercontinental Resources, and Hyousungs Limited, to ensure that the estates were built according to specifications.
Earlier, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State had described the housing project as a good omen to the state and urged the developers to ensure expertise and commitment in its delivery.
Represented by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Effiong Essien, Eno said that the state government understood the importance of housing to the wellbeing of the populace.
