By Amos Aar
THE FEDERAL Government of Nigeria (FGN) on Friday held foundation laying ceremony for the construction of 250 housing units in Benue State, as part of its renewed hope housing scheme across the federation.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony at Angbaaye Community in Guma LGA, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Ahmed M. Dangiwa, who was represented by the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Abdullahi T. Gwarzo, said the project will be completed within three months.
The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing affordable housing to all citizens across all spheres of life including high, middle- and low-income earners
He appreciated Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for giving the project considerable thought and for providing land for it.
In his address, Governor Alia appreciated President Tinubu for selecting Benue State as one among the beneficiaries of his renewed hope housing scheme.
Represented by the Benue State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Tiza Isaac Imojime, the governor appreciated the president for providing the vision and the political support necessary for the transformation of housing and urban landscape in the country for the collective good of all citizens.
He stated that adequate housing was a major responsibility of governance, stressing that the president’s decision to prioritise housing and ensure that the housing deficit is tackled was a clear testimony of his zeal to service which demonstrates his practical drive of a renewed hope to impact lives.
Alia disclosed that the state was happy with the president’s renewed hope initiative, the reason that it quickly provided the land when a request was made from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Abuja and that the people were happy that the contractors had already mobilized to site and work commenced.
The governor promised to strengthen partnership with the federal government so that Benue citizens get maximum benefits from the federal owned parastatals such as the mortgage bank, federal housing authority, the Nigerian Housing funds etc.
Earlier, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage, Shehu Usman Osidi, said the mortgage bank being a critical stakeholder was proud to be associated with the project since housing was the second basic need of life after food, a critical foundation of stability and security for individuals and values.
In a vote of thanks, the district head of Mbawa, thanked the President for the renewed hope project and also appreciated the governor for singling out Angbaghye, Mbagwa Guma LGA and promised that the community was going to give all the necessary support for the actualization of the project.
