By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to select 698 workers through a ballot to acquire homes in its various housing estates.
This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to the Commissioner, the selected workers will not only have the opportunity to own homes but will also be entitled to a 40 percent rebate in their service lifetime.
Stating that the initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to improve the welfare and well-being of its civil servants.
According to him, “In order to promote transparency in-home unit allocation, the state government will henceforth allocate some of its homes through ballot.
“The process will be observed by independent observers to ensure transparency and fairness.
“Some of the locations are: Idale (Badagry Division) and LagosHOM Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu (Epe-Division) come June 4.”
He added that the Lagos State Mortgage Board had compiled a list of applicants for home unit allocation.
“Within various schemes, we have pre-qualified 950 applicants for home unit allocation. We also have 400 applicants for LagosHOMS, Ajara, Badagry, 450 for LagosHS, Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu.
“We have 100 for Lagos State public affordable housing scheme, Idale Badagry,” Akinderu-Fatai said.
Also the Commissioner revealed the ministry has successfully engaged over 8,000 skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled residents of Lagos in various projects, providing employment opportunities and promoting economic growth.
“In August 2023, the ministry trained an additional 200 artisans under its Master Craftsman Training Programme. The six-week programme was organised in collaboration with a consultant.
“The courses were: plumbing and pipe works, masonry, painting, decoration, carpentry and furniture making and electrical installations,” he added.