FG Launches Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Akwa Ibom

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has officially commenced construction of its Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by Governor Pastor Umo Eno and attended by the FHA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oyetunde Ojo.

In a statement released on Friday by the FHA’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu, Ojo praised Governor Eno as a leader “deeply committed to the welfare of his people, particularly in the area of housing provision.”

Recalling the governor’s early support for the project, Ojo highlighted that Akwa Ibom provided land free of charge and pledged ongoing assistance to ensure the estate’s success.

He said, “I recall vividly that on 2nd May 2024, when I led my management team to visit Your Excellency to seek the buy-in and collaboration of Akwa Ibom State in our Renewed Hope Housing agenda, this state, through Your Excellency, gave us a reception and encouragement that has not been matched anywhere.”

Ojo emphasised that launching the Renewed Hope Housing Programme in Akwa Ibom was a deliberate gesture to reciprocate the governor’s goodwill and partnership.

“We are beginning the fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to renew the hope of Nigerians by providing livable and affordable houses. The importance of decent shelter cannot be overemphasised as far as productivity and quality of life are concerned,” he stated.

He further revealed that the FHA has completed procurement processes for housing projects across the six geopolitical zones, with upcoming groundbreakings scheduled in Kaduna, Abia, Ogun, Ekiti, Kogi, and Adamawa states.

The authority is also completing and commissioning inherited projects, in line with President Tinubu’s directive that “the days of abandoned projects are over.”

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Describing the Uyo project as “more than another housing estate,” Ojo called it “a livable and affordable environment that embodies the signature of the Federal Housing Authority.”

He also commended Governor Eno for giving the FHA a platform to establish its presence in Akwa Ibom for the first time in its over 50-year history, noting that the project would generate jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.

Governor Eno, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and to the FHA for selecting Akwa Ibom as the programme’s launch site.

He said such federal initiatives complement his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to address the housing deficit and accelerate development.

The governor disclosed that, in addition to the FHA project, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has also been allocated 50 hectares for its own housing initiative.

“Our civil servants are dear to us, which is why we are doing so much in the area of housing. We have the Aviation City, Judicial City, Legislative, and Executive estates, all built to accommodate our people,” he said.

Eno pledged that his administration would continue prioritising the welfare of Akwa Ibom residents and urged the FHA to ensure the project’s rapid completion.

He also promised to extend the state’s security architecture to protect the housing site, stressing that “the government does not compromise or play politics with the welfare of the people.”

The Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, a flagship programme of President Tinubu’s administration, is aimed at bridging Nigeria’s housing gap and promoting inclusive homeownership. Executed through the FHA and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the initiative targets low- and middle-income earners across the six geopolitical zones.

Under the programme, the Federal Government collaborates with state governments to provide land and infrastructure, while the FHA manages construction and delivery.

The initiative is expected to create jobs, strengthen local building industries, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable cities and communities.