As the progressive train of the impactful season of completion and commissioning in the Housing Sector moved to the South East region, Uche Okafor, Emmanuel Ammunike and Alloy Agu of the 22 members of the 1994 Super Eagles have received the keys and title deeds to the houses allocated to them by the Federal Government.
President Muhammadu Buhari handed over the houses to them during the commissioning ceremony of the completed houses under the first Phase of the National Housing Programme (NHP) at Avu Town in Imo state on Thursday, 31st March,2022.
The President, with elation, in his remark, stated that the housing project across Nigeria has provided government with the opportunity to make the impossible possible by remembering to redeem the promise of providing houses for the nation’s Super Eagles Squad for winning the 1994 African Nation’s Cup.
“The progressive ideals of our government seek to achieve one objective which is to improve human condition but there is more to our message of change and improving human conditions in these housing projects. They make possible that which is impossible,” said President Buhari.
He said, “It provides an opportunity to remember our heroes, the valiant Super Eagles to whom our country made a promise to provide housing for winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations, which has remained unfulfilled.”
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, the President said, “On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I feel proud and privileged to redeem the promise Nigeria made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly.”
In addition, “As the saying goes, it is better late than never and I have approved allocation to redeem the outstanding allocations to 22 members of the Super Eagles in National Housing Estates located in their states of choice, and their keys and title documents will be handed over at the commissioning in their states while the remainder of the housing is allocated to willing members of the public,” said the President.
Earlier the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola,SAN, who was represented by Director, Public Buildings and Housing, Arc. Solomon Labafilo 4said “ We have offered all these housing units to members of the general public in a non-discriminatory way by opening the National Housing Portal at Https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng to ensure that those interested are not inhibited by any artificial obstacles and allocations will be made on the basis of those who apply and pay on first come, first first served basis.”
“Today in Imo state at Along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, we have completed and are handing over 68- units of housing comprising, 24-units in condominium( 1bedroom-4, 2bedroom-16, 3 bedroom-4), 28 units 2 bedroom and 16 units 3 bedroom bungalows,” Fashola revealed.
The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Chkwunwike Uzo who was represented by the Zonal Director South East National Housing Programme Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma remarked “For the benefit of Nigerians on this initiative, over 1,200 building contractors have been engaged under phases I, II, and III of the programme since the inception in 2016 and over 14,500 and 50, 140 direct and indirect jobs have been created. During this period, the Ministry is undertaking the construction of over 6,000 housing units in 45 sites, out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Traditional Prime Minister of the host community, Avu, Major General Rowland Ogbonna (Rtd) said they are part of the Federal Government as members of the community and they are part of the process in actualizing the project in the area. He said it took determined effort of the community to ensure that the project was successful without hindrance. “We endorse and appreciate the National Housing in the community,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Ex Super Eagle Captain and Goal Keeper who was also the Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles, Alloy Agu said “It is a day of fulfillment after waiting for 27 years plus and today we are able to receive what we have long waited for. We thank God and we appreciate the Federal Government for redeeming this pledge.”
On issue of the vandalisation of federal government projects going on across Nigeria, Agu responded, “My advice is that we have to take good care of Nigeria. We stand for Nigeria within and outside the shores to make sure that this country is being protected and we can’t be among those that will be destroying what Nigeria has achieved.
We have to secure Nigeria and not to destroy it.” Mrs. Uche Nwanze who stood for the family of the late ex super eagle, Uche Okafor who is also a beneficiary remarked “I thank the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering the beneficiaries at this time and I also thank Mr Raji Babatunde Raji Fashola.”
While advising the youths she said, “People must not resort to spoiling government properties for any reason, rather they must exert their energies in learning skills and protect government infrastructure.”
Emmanuel Amunike, the third beneficiary who was represented by Balogun Adewale at the event said, “It is unbelievable and it is reality after 27years that this handing over is taking place today.”
Encouraging the citizens to be united and supportive of government projects, Amunike said, “Ths is our country; we don’t have any other we can go, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa have to come together so that we can make this country great.”
One of the contractors, the Facility Manager of National Housing Programme Imo State, Felme Consults Nig. Ltd Mr. Felix Abunde said, “Federal Ministry of Works and Housing led by Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN has responded speedily towards the completion of this project and funding was never an issue that is why the project is completed as at the time due.” My advice to the youths is that they must do the right thing by acquiring the relevant skills and certificates because this present government has given opportunity to Nigerians to be involved in procurement process and projects“
Chiekzie Anyeabu, an alluminium fabricator who revealed he was the one who installed all the windows of the houses had this to say, “I thank Fashola he has been creating jobs for the masses through the construction of National Housing Programme across the country for the Igbos, Yorubas and the Hausas and other tribes. I also thank him for helping us to showcase our work.”
Ikeji Ethelo, a food seller at the site said her sales in snacks and drinks have been more than double since the commencement of the project and thanked Federal Government for creating the opportunities to increase her income and take home pay.
Representatives of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, State Governments, Traditional rulers, members of the community and relevant stakeholders were all at the event.
