…Seeks massive collaboration
By Jeleel Olawale
The Managing Director and Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, on Saturday 16th March, 2024, led his Management team on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.
The visit was in continuation of tour of Southwestern states to seek collaboration with the governors in the region with a view to bridge the gap in housing deficit.
Speaking, the FHA boss noted that the purpose of the visit is for a courtesy visit and to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President on housing.
Ojo said, “Our visit is based on two purposes; a courtesy visit, and to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President on Housing.”
The Managing Director added that affordable housing is a key point in the agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing the need to ensure that FHA plays its statutory role towards the success of the programme.
He said the new management under his leadership has decided to visit the state governors in the country, who are the custodians of land to ask for land.
The MD noted that the new ‘end user driven’ policy of management is to consult with the various states to find out the models and design of houses to be built for people based on their values and preferences, to enable them have ownership of the projects, adding that the idea of imposing designs on people is over.
Ojo applauded the laudable achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos, especially in the area of Housing, and declared the willingness of FHA to collaborate with the Lagos State Government.
“We are here to ask for land, after the land we then talk on the kind of houses to deliver. We don’t want to impose any designs on you. We want to collaborate with you and share knowledge and experiences with you.”
The FHA Chief Executive pointed out the benefits that would come to Lagos State through the proposed Housing collaboration with the Authority from the value chain of the industry.
He informed the Governor that he intends to deploy such delivery models like studio apartments and one Bedroom to carter for the young people, noting that there would be carcas with electricals and plumbing and common exterior.
This, he said would reduce the cost and allow individuals to finish their houses based on affordability. He also said the authority is planning a Diaspora City Project that would carter for the diasporians.
The MD finally craved the indulgence of the State Governor for President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) to flag off and commission an FHA project in Lagos.
Responding, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appreciated the MD and his team for visiting Lagos, acknowledging the state deficit in houses, stressing that his government has commissioned about 19 estates.
According to him, every effort that will put roof over the head of the people is welcomed. He commended the housing vision and model of FHA management, which he said is in line with his government.
“Your vision tallies with ours, which is providing accommodations to the people We can collaborate because there are a lot of housing needs in Lagos,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu informed the visiting FHA team that the state plans to go vertical without necessarily being luxurious, promising FHA land with a caveat that the development must be immediate because there are needs to be met.
The Governor congratulated the new FHA management and challenged them to change the skyline and leave their footprint.