BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
About twenty eight years after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Tunis, Tunisia in 1994, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of houses to the 22 members of the Super Eagles in their various states.
This is in fulfillment of a pledge made to the squad 28 years ago by the then federal government led by late Gen Sani Abacha.
The players are: Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).
Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.
Buhari stated this in Lafia, Nasarawa State on Monday during the commissioning of completed homes under the National Housing Programme (NHP) initiative.
The commissioning was the first in the series of official commissioning expected to take place in the 34 States of the federation where Phase I of the houses has been completed.
Represented by the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi, he described the housing projects as part of the fulfillment of the promise of change made to Nigerians by his administration.
He commended the Nasarawa state government for providing land for the project, describing it as one of the developmental possibilities that intergovernmental collaboration would produce.
The president said that the construction of housing estates across the country was informed by the government's desire to achieve one of its primary objectives, which is to improve human condition.
He stated that the projects provided contracts for micro, small and medium business owners, who also provided employment for people through the engagement of skilled and unskilled workers, thereby unleashing a value chain of economic activities that impacted on the lives of Nigerians.
In his address, the Nasarawa state governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule described the housing estate as a landmark achievement of the federal government in its effort to provide affordable and conducive accommodation for Nigerians.
Sule, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner of Works, Engr. Idris Muhammed Idris, he thanked the federal government for the numerous federal projects undertaken through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
Also speaking, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola explained that 76 housing units under Phase one have been completed in the state, which comprised of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.
Represented by the Director of Public Building and Housing, Architect Solomon Labafilo, he stated that, "In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the ministry to find out the type of houses Nigerians desire."
He explained that the survey revealed a preference for bungalows in Northern Nigeria and flats in Southern Nigeria, adding that the survey also showed the need for space, which was why the one-bedroom units are 60 - 70 square metres, two-bedroom units, 76 - 103 square metres while three- bedroom units consist of 110 - 137 square metres.
Fashola said the housing units are sold to the public through the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/ to ensure that interested buyers are not inhibited by any artificial obstacle while allocations are made on the basis of those who applied and paid on a first-come- first-served basis.
On his part, Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Chukwunwike Uzo informed that the ministry is promoting local content in the construction processes in line with Executive Order 3 and 5.
Uzo, who was represented by the Zonal Director of North Central, Engr. Valentine Nwaimo, he disclosed that at about 1,200 building contractors were engaged under Phase I, II and III of the housing programme since 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs were also created.
He stated that the ministry is undertaking the construction of at least 6,000 housing units in 45 sites, out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 34 states and the FCT within the period under review.
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