Out Pour Of Encomiums Continues As President Muhammadu Buhari Commissions National Housing Project In Kano   …... The project has opened up activities in my area - Gama District Head .......  I thank you PMB for this project, I can now pay my children school fees -- Mohammed Lawal The people of Kano State Thursday, March 7, 2022 joined in the outpouring of commendation across the country, as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned affordable National Housing Programme in the State. The Federal Government under the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has successfully completed Phase 1 of the National Housing Programme in 34 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). From Sokoto to Asaba, the story has been the same as Nigerians thanked President Buhari for the provision and commissioning of the pilot scheme of affordable, accessible and acceptable houses as contained in the National Housing Policy. So far, completed housing units under Phase 1 of the National Housing Programme have been commissioned in Kaduna, Kogi, Delta, Imo, Osun, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Niger and now Kano State. However more of such housing projects are lined up for commissioning by the President in many other states as soon as arrangements are tidied up. In Kano, the District Head of Gama Kwari Jaba, where the houses are located Mallam Musa Usman, while thanking President Buhari, said the project has really opened up his community for commercial activities, adding that his subjects derived maximum benefits by way of getting paid job in the course of the project. The ward Head prayed for the President and asked the Government to do more in order to improve the living condition of the people and curb the rate of unemployment in the country. Speaking in the same vein a labourer who was engaged during the construction, Mohammad Lawal said that with the little money he made, he was able to settle the school fees of his children and use part of it to provide food for his family. “I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, for this project. God bless our President. I pray and wish him a successful end of tenure," he said. Others who spoke were: food vendors, iron benders, carpenters and other labourers that worked in the site unanimously prayed for and commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the laudable housing project. They all in separate interviews, expressed their genuine happiness in the way the project turned around their daily lives for the better, as according to them, "A means of earning their daily bread was created through the project." A total of 76-units of houses comprising, 4-units of one bedroom, 48-units of two bedroom and 24 units of three-bedroom bungalows were commissioned in Kano State. At the commissioning in Kano, the President represented by the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, Rtd said: "This housing estate being commissioned today is an example of the fulfillment of the promise of change we made to Nigerians." President Buhari said the housing estates that were constructed in the 34 states of the federation were a clear manifestation of the progressive ideals of the present administration to improve the human condition of Nigerians. President Buhari said, “The micro, small and medium size businesses that drive the economy have unleashed a value chain of economic activities that improved the conditions of the ordinary Nigerians." Accordingly, he said, those business activities added value to human condition, saying, “In the process, Nigerians at the bottom of the pyramid such as artisans, builders, skilled and unskilled workers and food vendors were not left out of this economic value chain." Mr.President  also pointed out that the desire and commitment of his administration towards improving the human condition was gaining more impetus as jobs were being created for the teeming populace via the housing estates, adding that people who had aspired for a long time to own a home are now seeing their dreams come true with this housing projects. On his part, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN said that as the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari draws to an end, there is great leap in completion of projects all over the federation. The Minister was represented in Kano by the Director of Public Building and Housing Development Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Arc. Solomon Labafilo. Fashola said, "As we head towards the end of President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure of office, I am happy  to also say that we enter a season of completion when many projects such as this begin to bear fruits." Fashola further stated that the houses commissioned were opened to the general public in non-discriminating way by opening of the National Housing Portal to ensure transparency of bidding processes in acquiring the houses. He added that, "We welcome those who can afford to pay outright. It is not a condition of eligibility and have offered flexible payment options like mortgage and rent to own which we encourage applicants to pursue." ...

National Housing Programme Commissioning: FG Hands Over Houses To Uche, Amunike And Agu In 0werri, Imo State   ...Beneficiaries praise PMB and Fashola for redeeming the 1994 promises to Super Eagles Team  ...Beneficiaries condemn  incessant vandalisation of FG infrastructure across the country. ...PMB Commisions National Housing Project in Owerri. As the progressive train of the impactful season of completion and   commissioning in the Housing Sector moved to the South East region, Uche Okafor, Emmanuel Ammunike and Alloy Agu of the  22 members of the 1994 Super Eagles have received the keys and title deeds to the houses allocated to them by the Federal Government.  President Muhammadu Buhari handed over the houses to them during the commissioning ceremony of the completed houses under the first Phase of the National Housing Programme (NHP) at Avu Town in Imo state on Thursday, 31st March,2022.   The President, with elation, in his remark, stated that the housing project across Nigeria has provided government with the opportunity to make the impossible possible by remembering to redeem the promise of providing houses for the nation’s Super Eagles Squad for winning the 1994 African Nation’s Cup. “The progressive ideals of our government seek to achieve one objective which is to improve human condition but there is more to our message of change and improving human conditions in these housing projects. They make possible that which is impossible,” said President Buhari. He said, “It provides an opportunity to remember our heroes, the valiant Super Eagles to whom our country made a promise to provide housing for winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations, which has remained unfulfilled.”   Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, the President said, “On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I feel proud and privileged to redeem the promise Nigeria made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly.” In addition, “As the saying goes, it is better late than never and I have approved allocation to redeem the outstanding allocations to 22 members of the Super Eagles in National Housing Estates located in their states of choice, and their keys and title documents will be handed over at the commissioning in their states while the remainder of the housing is allocated to willing members of the public,” said the President. Earlier the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola,SAN, who was represented by Director, Public Buildings and Housing, Arc. Solomon Labafilo  said “ We have offered all these housing units to members of the general public in a non-discriminatory way by opening the National Housing Portal at Https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng 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 first come , first  first served basis.”  “Today in Imo state at Along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, we have completed and are handing over 68- units of housing comprising, 24-units in condominium( 1bedroom-4, 2bedroom-16, 3 bedroom-4), 28 units 2 bedroom and 16 units 3 bedroom bungalows,” Fashola revealed. The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Chkwunwike Uzo who was represented by the Zonal Director South East National Housing Programme Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma remarked “For the benefit of Nigerians 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 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory. The Traditional Prime Minister of the host community, Avu, Major General Rowland Ogbonna (Rtd) said they are part of the Federal Government as members of the community and they are part of the process in actualizing the project in the area. He said it took determined effort of the community to ensure that the project was successful without hindrance.  “We endorse and appreciate the National Housing in the community,” he said. One of the beneficiaries, Ex Super Eagle Captain and Goal Keeper who was also the Assistant Coach  of the Super Eagles, Alloy Agu said “It is a day of fulfillment after waiting for 27 years plus and today we are able to receive what we have long waited for. We thank God and we appreciate the Federal Government for redeeming this pledge.” On issue of the vandalisation of federal government projects going on across Nigeria, Agu responded, “My advice is that we have to take good care of Nigeria. We stand for Nigeria within and outside the shores to make sure that this country is being protected and we can’t be among those that will be destroying what Nigeria has achieved. We have to secure Nigeria and not to destroy it.” Mrs. Uche Nwanze who stood for the family of the late ex super eagle, Uche Okafor who is also a beneficiary remarked “I thank the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering the beneficiaries at this time and I also thank Mr Raji Babatunde Raji Fashola.”   While advising the youths she said, “People must not resort to spoiling government properties for any reason, rather they must exert their energies in learning skills and protect government infrastructure.” Emmanuel Amunike, the third beneficiary who was represented by Balogun Adewale at the event said, “It is unbelievable and it is reality after 27years that this handing over is taking place today.” Encouraging the citizens to be united and supportive of government projects, Amunike said, “Ths is our country; we don’t have any other we can go, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa have to come together so that we can make this country great.” One of the contractors, the Facility Manager of National Housing Programme Imo State,  Felme Consults Nig. Ltd Mr. Felix Abunde said, “Federal Ministry of Works and Housing led by Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN has responded speedily towards the completion of this project and funding was never an issue that is why the project is completed as at the time due.” My advice to the youths is that they must do the right thing by acquiring the relevant skills and certificates because this present government has given opportunity to Nigerians to be involved in procurement process and projects “  Chiekzie Anyeabu, an alluminium fabricator who revealed he was the one who installed all the windows of the houses had this to say, “I thank Fashola he has been creating jobs for the masses through the construction of National Housing Programme across the country for the Igbos, Yorubas and the Hausas and other tribes. I also thank him for helping us to showcase our work.”  Ikeji Ethelo, a food seller at the site said her sales in snacks and drinks have been more than double since the commencement of the project and thanked Federal Government for creating the opportunities to increase her income and take home pay. Representatives of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, State Governments, Traditional rulers, members of the community and relevant stakeholders were all at the event.   ...

Tambuwal, Sultan Hail FG At Commissioning Of Sokoto’s National Housing Programme ·    As Season of Completion, Impact in Housing Sector moves to Sokoto Emirate .    Primary objective of our administration is to improve living conditions of Nigerians”, says Buhari ·   Nigerians will witness more in days to come  -  Fashola The progressive train of the Federal Government arrived Sokoto on Tuesday 22, 2022, as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned 80 housing units completed in the State by the Ministry of Works and Housing under the government’s ongoing National Housing Programme (NHP) across the country. The commissioning, witnessed by prominent dignitaries and stakeholders in the state, was the sixth of its kind since the government’s Season of Completion and Impact commenced nationwide in the Housing Sector barely a fortnight ago. Speaking on behalf of his people, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar, whose goodwill message was rendered in Hausa language, praised the Buhari administration, for its untiring commitment to the fulfillment of its mandate of change to Nigerians saying his Emirate would remain grateful to the Federal Government for extending the programme to it. The Sultan, who was represented by the Ardon Shuni of the Emirate, Alhaji Muhammad Harande II, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the project and also urged all the allottees of the houses in the State to take proper care of them in order to derive the maximum impact intended to be achieved. In his keynote address at the occasion President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, described the completion of the housing project as a fulfilment of the promise of change his administration made to the people at its inception.   Buhari, who expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State government for the intergovernmental collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing through the provision of the land for the project, described it as “one of the developmental approaches across the levels of government”. The President was delighted that, through the housing constructions, contracts were given to Micro, Small and Medium enterprises and business men and women were engaged, while skilled and unskilled workers got employment adding that the programme has “unleashed a value chain of economic activities that have made positive impacts in the lives of ordinary Nigerians”. "These are some of the people our country remains committed to move towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed”, he said.   The President described as, “one of the great leaps” in the  fulfilment of promise of change made by his administration, the approval of the allocation of houses to 22 members of the 1994 Super Eagles Team in their various states, in fulfilment of a pledge made to them 28 years ago by the then Federal Government. In his goodwill message, the Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Manir Muhammad DanIya, commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, for the construction of the housing estate in Sokoto which he said was “a great effort towards providing affordable houses for Nigerians”. In his own remarks, Fashola, who was represented by the Director Information and Communication Technology of the Ministry, Mrs. Olayemi Sotomi, stated that Nigerians would witness many more commissioning of completed projects as President Buhari's tenure draws nearer adding that many more projects would soon start to bear fruit.   According to the Minister, the 80 housing units under Phase 1, comprising 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, have been completed in Sokoto State adding, "In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desire”. He explained that the survey revealed a preference for bungalows in Northern Nigeria and flats in Southern Nigeria, adding that the survey also showed the need for space which, according to him, “is why the one-bedroom units are 60 - 70 square metres and two-bedroom units 76 - 103 square metres while three-bedroom units are110 - 137 square metres”. Fashola also disclosed that the housing units are offered to the public through the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/”to ensure that interested buyers are not inhibited by any “artificial obstacle and allocations are made on the basis of those who apply and pay on a first-come- first-served basis”.   The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Chukwunwike Uzo, who was represented by the Federal Zonal Director Housing, North West, Builder Emmanuel Hangeoire, stated that the Ministry was promoting local content in the building construction in line with Executive Orders 3 and 5.   According to Engr. Uzo, at least 1,200 building contractors have been engaged under Phases I, II and III of the housing programme since 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created.   “During this period, the Ministry has been undertaking the construction of at least 6,000 housing units at 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory”.   ...