….Allocates houses to 22 AFCON 94 Team
Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
In his efforts to fulfill his campaign promises in the provision of shelter for Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday commissioned phase 1 of 80 Housing units in Sokoto State.
Represented by the minister of Police Affairs Muhammad Maigari Dyingadi, the President said the building of the houses is in fulfilment of his mandate to curb housing deficits and bring change to the country.
“When our party All Progressive Congress APC sought your mandate to form government in 2015 one of the things we promised was change he stated.
“This housing estate is an example of the fulfilment of that promise of change he added.
He noted that with the support of Sokoto State Government who provided land , “this place which was once unused land amounting to no more than idle capital , has come alive and will now provide shelter for ordinary Nigerians”
He maintained that the project is an example of some developmental possibilities that inter-gover mental collaboration can produce saying he is optimistic that with the provision of more land, the Federal Government certainly can do more.
He further disclosed that his administration has redeemed the outstanding allocation to 22 members of the Super Eagle for winning 1994 African Cup of Nation AFCON
He explained that this provide opportunity to remember our hereos the valiant Super Eagle to whom the country made a promise to provide house for them saying they can choose the house in any state of their choice..
In his remark the minister of works and house Babatunde Fashola said in 34 states of Nigeria , the Federal Government, through the ministry of works and housing has indiscriminately delivered projects like this with support of state governors who provided the land.
Fashola who was represented by the Director in the ministry Mrs Olayemi Sotomi said “today in Sokoto State at Kwanawa, in Danger/Shuni local government area we have completed and handed over 80 units of housing comprising 4units one bedroom, 48 units two bedroom , 28 units three bedroom bungalows .
On his part the Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Waziri Tambuwal lauded the Federal Government for the gesture.
Represented by his Deputy Muhammad Manir Dan’Iya Tambuwal said in no doubt this is part of the efforts of governments to provide one of the most critical needs of human life and survival.
“We have, on our part, through the Ministry of Lands and Housing, achieved measurable success in the housing sector. We have completed 500 Housing units at Kalambaina, for civil servants and the general public which have been allocated to beneficiaries. An additional 500 houses are under construction at Gidan Salanke area by the State Government, and are nearimg completion.
Tambuwal stated that land has been provided to the Federal Mortorgage Bank by the State Government for the construction of 100 houses at Sokoto New City, which have reached 80% completion.
He also disclosed that land has also been provided to STC Construction Company to construct 100 residential quarters at the same location.
In the spirit of cooperation for shelter, the Sokoto State Government has approved requests for land by some Federal Government agencies, to either construct office accomodation or houses for their staff. Some of the beneficiaries of this gesture include :Standard Organization of Nigeria, National Health Insurance Scheme and National Judicial Council.
Others includes Export Promotion Council, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Police Force., Universal Basic Education Commission Abuja, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board., Nigerian Immigration Service. , Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp.
In our effort to provide affordable housing across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, we are in the Joint Partnership Initiative with the Family Homes Housing Limited, which is being promoted by the Federal Government, whereby the State Government has provided land across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state for the construction of housing units
He said he is pleased to note that the combined efforts and synergy between tiers of government and the private sector are bearing fruit in Sokoto State. Soon, the challenge of inadequate shelter for our teaming populace will be a thing of the past.
