With this good start, FHA stands a better chance —Kano Gov. commends MD
The Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf has pledged the support of the state to the success of the Renewed Hope Housing programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This was revealed on Thursday when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo visited the Governor in continuation of his consultation of his tour of the North West zone.
Hon Ojo had in his address informed the Governor that apart from coming to pay him a courtesy visit as the new management in FHA, his team has come with the President’s message on the Renewed Hope Agenda on Housing.
The MD told Governor Yusuf that Kano is the 9th State he is visiting with the President’s message on Housing.
According to Hon Ojo, “The President has given us the mandate to make the Renewed Hope Agenda on Housing possible, because of the housing deficit we have in the country “.
The FHA Chief Executive pointed out that Kano State’s strategic importance as a commercial hub in the North and as one of the most populous states in Nigeria necessitates the need for affordable housing provision for the citizens.
In his words, Hon Ojo said: “We know the position of Kano and Lagos in terms of population. Kano is so strategic in our country and we need to provide houses for the people here.”
The Managing Director therefore asked the Governor to give land to the Federal Housing Authority for the project.
“Our mission here is to seek for land. We know we have land here with challenges, but we are asking for a new one for this project,” he said.
Hon. Ojo reminded His Excellency that FHA does not just build estates but develop new towns. He then asked the assistance of the state in provision of infrastructure in the proposed site.
Reminiscent of his demand from the other Governors he has visited, the MD also asked Governor Yusuf for off-takers from the state.
He said the need to synergise with the state for off-takers is to ensure that the houses are targeted at individuals and would be taken on completion.
“We are looking at the off-takers scheme with you because you know your people and have their data,” he told the governor.
Hon. Ojo informed the Governor that FHA would work with the State for input in the designs and house types to be constructed in Kano in the Authority’s End – user policy and build a sense of ownership in the people.
The Renewed Hope Agenda programme of the President the MD is not about politics, but about housing all Nigerians.
“It is not about politics. It is about the people, the people of Kano,” he said.
The model of delivery the MD said would consist of one Bedrooms, Studio apartments, and carcass, noting that those at the low income bracket would be highly considered. Those in the diaspora, he said, are also in the plans.
Hon. Ojo concluded by saying that FHA intends to use the value chains of construction to fight both inflation and insecurity by providing jobs for our youths, while targeting remittances from abroad through the Diaspora estates it is planning.
Governor Yusuf in his response appreciated the FHA delegation. He acknowledged the housing needs in Kano as the most populous state in the country.
The governor noted that as a one-time Commissioner of Works in the state, that he was involved in some of the housing projects standing today in Kano.
According to him, “I was once Commissioner of Housing and Transport. Most of the houses you see in Kano were done under my supervision and conceptualization. As a governor, I feel the sky is my limit.”
The Governor stated that housing development is key to his vision in Kano State and that he would do everything possible to achieve that. He therefore pledged his support to FHA to succeed in the project.
According to him, “Housing development is key to my vision. Count on my support. Within the next one week, you will hear from me.”
