Prompted by the mission to cut housing deficits and boost provision of low-cost housing units for many residents within the state, Ogun state government is seeking collaboration of key players and institutions in the real estate sector to build and deliver the 2,500 housing units targeted within the first four year tenure of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The call for possible partnership with the key players and institutions in the industry, especially the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) is coming at the time when the state government is building various housing estates at various locations within state through Ogun State Ministry of Housing, Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) and Ogun State Housing Corporation (OGSHC).
Speaking at the inauguration of committee of fellows and the investiture of Wale Ojo-led 10-man Executive Committe of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Ogun State Branch in Abeokuta on Friday, Ogun State Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi, declared that the government is working towards the provision of massive housing units for many residents of the state. He said, “In the last two years, this Government has put in place nothing less than than 1,331 housing units spread across different nine locations of Ogun State. And if we have to look at the empirical figure compared with what the last two administrations had done over 16 years, we have more than surpassed that within two years of this administration and I think we are rightfully on course to deliver according to our promise.
“You know the tenure of (Governor) Prince Dapo Abiodun came up with the policy to develop 2,500 housing units within the first term of administration and we are fully on course to do that. The beauty of it is that, we partner all manners of professionals within the building industry. We brand ourselves to be a manager of resources.
“Heading team in housing in Ogun State is a Chartered Accountant and with building experience and we are having the General Manager of Housing Corporation as Estate Surveyor, also the Ministry of Housing is headed by an Estate Surveyor, with all these, we are able to combine all the professionals in the field to make sure we deliver.
“What is important is we have round pegs in round holes and we are able to harmonise the experiences and that’s what this government has been able to put in place.”
Earlier, the National President of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Emma Wike, stated that Ogun State remains one of the most vibrant branches of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, adding that the Institution would give necessary support to Ogun State Government in actualizing its dream to offer massive low-cost housing for its residents.
Wike, who represented by the second Vice President, Victor Alonge, assured Nigerians that the Institution is working towards clearing of the profession of quackery in order to deliver quality service to the people of Nigeria and beyond, saying Government’s collaboration is needed in that regard to improve efficiency and productivity in the real estate industry.