FG Hands Over 24 Housing Units to Osun University of Ilesa    *  Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Housing   The Federal Government has officially handed over 24 housing units constructed under the National Housing Programme (NHP) to the University of Ilesa, Osun State, as part of efforts to expand access to affordable housing and strengthen institutional development across the country.   Speaking at the ceremony held at the University campus on Thursday, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, represented by the Director, Public Buildings and Housing Development, QS. Pemi Samuel Temitope, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at improving staff welfare and enhancing productivity in key national institutions.   He stated that “the provision of decent and affordable housing remains a top priority of the Federal Government, as it is fundamental to the well-being of citizens and the overall development of the nation.” He further noted that access to quality accommodation plays a critical role in promoting stability and efficiency across public institutions.   The Minister emphasized that universities occupy a central position in national development, stressing that “as centres of knowledge, innovation and human capital development, universities must be supported with the necessary infrastructure, including adequate housing for their workforce.”   He added that the housing units delivered under the NHP are designed to provide a conducive living environment, noting that “this intervention will not only improve staff welfare but also enhance productivity and support the University’s drive towards academic excellence.”   Dangiwa commended the management of the University for its sustained collaboration with the Ministry, describing it as “a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through effective synergy between government and public institutions.” He also urged the University to ensure proper maintenance and optimal utilization of the facilities to guarantee long-term sustainability.   The Minister appreciated all stakeholders involved in the successful execution of the project, reaffirming that “the Federal Government will continue to implement policies and programmes that promote access to affordable housing and improve the living standards of Nigerians.”   In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, described the handover as “a major milestone in the University’s development,” particularly in advancing plans to establish a Faculty of Technology.   He disclosed that the institution had been shortlisted by TETFund for its High Impact Intervention Projects, adding that “with the acquisition of these housing units, we now have the critical infrastructure required to actualize our Faculty of Technology and expand our academic programmes.”   Prof. Asaolu noted that the development is historic, explaining that “this University operated as a College of Education for over 47 years before its transition into a conventional university, and this marks another significant step in our growth journey.”   He further revealed that the University had faced serious accommodation challenges, especially in meeting accreditation requirements for programmes such as Law, Medicine, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science. “Despite the presence of these structures within our campus, we could not access them, and we were compelled to convert classrooms into temporary hostel facilities,” he said, while appreciating the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for facilitating the transfer.   The event underscores the Federal Government’s continued commitment to improving living standards and supporting educational institutions through targeted housing interventions. ...

Housing Ministry Holds Pre - retirement Training for Officers    Retirement, a redirection of wealth of experience - Belgore   The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore has described retirement as a redirection of wealth of experience into new and meaningful ventures rather than a withdrawal from productivity.   Belgore spoke during the opening ceremony of a two-day Staff Pre-Retirement Training organized for retiring officers of the Ministry, at the Conference Room of the Ministry.   The Permanent Secretary was represented by the Director department of Human Resource Management, Ademola Ayodele.   He described the event as a significant milestone marking not just the end of a career in public service, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, growth, and renewed purpose.   Welcoming distinguished participants, facilitators, and the retiring officers on behalf of the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary noted that the training programme was specially organized to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and mindset required to transition successfully from active service into retirement.    He sincerely acknowledged the years of commitment, professionalism, and invaluable contributions of the retiring officers to the growth and transformation of the Ministry; “Your service has helped shape policies, projects, and programs that continue to impact communities across our nation”, he added.   Dr. Belgore urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, ask questions, share experiences, and take full advantage of the resource persons assembled for the programme.   “I wish everyone of you a productive and rewarding training session, as well as a fulfilling and prosperous life beyond active service”, He said.   In his welcome address, the director department of Human Resource Management, Ayodele Ademola, informed that the program would cover key areas such as financial planning, health and wellness, psychological readiness, and entrepreneurship, among others.    He encouraged the participants to actively, ask questions, and share experiences as the platform was designed for their benefit.   Mr. Ademola further thanked the participants for their service, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment, expressing gratitude to the facilitators for making themselves available for the training.   The training featured interactive sessions where facilitators delivered presentations and provided practical insights on key areas essential for post-service success.   In a presentation titled “Perspectives in Retirement,” the first facilitator, Mr. Fashina Kayode, urged participants to identify and develop their innate skills as a foundation for a productive retirement. He emphasised that carefully harnessed skills can enhance financial stability and long-term sustainability.   Fashina outlined four pillars of retirement to include; Financial Security, Health and Wellness, Purpose and Engagement, Social Connection.   Highlighting common challenges such as financial uncertainty, health concerns, social isolation, and difficulty adjusting to a less structured lifestyle, he noted that adherence to these pillars would enable retirees to enjoy a meaningful and rewarding post-service life.   Another facilitator, Mr. Francis Olorunfemi, delivered a lecture titled “Retirement in the public service: The uncertainties, the fears and the need for future plans”, where He focused on the theme of uncertainty, explaining that it is a natural part of retirement and may arise in areas such as business ventures, pension administration, and personal relationships.   He stressed the importance of cultivating a positive mindset, noting that resilience and adaptability are crucial to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling retirement.    While encouraging participants to establish viable businesses, he advised them to invest only in ventures they understand and can personally supervise, warning that lack of oversight often leads to financial loss.   On health and wellness of retirees, a medical facilitator Mr. Adeose P. J, urged participants to adopt routine medical check-ups, maintain physical fitness through daily exercise and stretching, and develop financial plans to address potential health challenges.    He further emphasised the importance of mental health in retirement, recommending engagement in hobbies, continuous learning, volunteering, and social activities as essential strategies for maintaining psychological well-being.   Also in his contribution, Director of the department of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Peter Osondu, advocated for reforms within the civil service, particularly in strengthening remuneration packages beyond their current levels.    Osondu stressed that no amount of training can fully offset financial limitations if post-retirement earnings remain insufficient, underscoring the need for broader structural improvements to enhance retirees’ financial security. ...

Housing Ministry, Shelter Advisory Convene Summit on Renewed Hope Housing PPP   *  Summit, a high-level policy and transaction platform, dedicated to advancing structured Public-Private Partnerships for housing delivery in Nigeria.   The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in conjunction with the Shelter Advisory Services Limited will convene the second edition of the Renewed Hope Housing PPP Summit to accelerate large -scale housing delivery.   It is scheduled for April, 2026 at YarAdua Center, Abuja under the theme “From Policy to Projects: Financing and Delivering Housing at Scale through PPPs”.   The summit is a high-level policy and transaction platform, dedicated to advancing structured Public-Private Partnerships for housing delivery in Nigeria.   The objective is for stakeholders from federal and state policy makers, legislators, institutional investors, developers, and development partners to review and align policy frameworks with implementable housing projects.   It will also provide a practical, transaction-focused platform where the stakeholders would engage on how to structure, finance, and implement viable housing PPPs, with emphasis to be placed on project pipelines, financing instruments, risk-allocation frameworks, and successful delivery models that can be replicated across states.   This year’s theme, reflects the central objective of the second Edition of the Renewed Hope Housing PPP Summit: to bridge the gap between well-articulated policies and tangible, bankable housing projects on the ground.   It recognises Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) as the most viable pathway for mobilising long-term finance, aligning public land and infrastructure with private sector expertise, and delivering housing at the scale Nigeria urgently requires.   Vice President, Kashim Shettima is expected to serve as the Special Guest, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike will serve as the host. The Ministerial Address will be delivered by Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development.    Accordingly, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, and Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing, will also make presentations at the Summit.   Ms. Elena Panaritis, Founder of Thought4Action and an international expert in property rights reform, informal economies, and PPP driven housing development, will deliver the Summit’s keynote address.   Lined up for the one day summit, also is a training workshop titled “Leveraging PPPs & Joint Ventures for Housing Development”, to be held for Heads of Housing Agencies, PMI’s, and developers.    Other features include special closed-door executive sessions, private interactive engagements with the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary, one-on-one strategic coaching, and high-level discussions for captains and doyens of the housing industry.   Essencially, the Summit seeks to move the housing conversation beyond strategy into sustained delivery, translating policy clarity into investable projects and measurable impact for Nigerian cities and communities. ...