The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has announced the commencement of construction on the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Umuahia, Abia State, as part of a nationwide push to deliver affordable housing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative.
Speaking at Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony, FHA Managing Director and Chief Executive, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, said the event reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to executing the President’s housing programme across all 36 states.
Mr Ojo noted that Abia was deliberately chosen as the launchpad for the South-East due to the enthusiasm and cooperation shown by the state government and its people. He praised Governor Dr Alex Otti as a leader deeply invested in the welfare of his citizens.
Recalling President Tinubu’s directive upon assuming office, Mr Ojo said the FHA was instructed to provide liveable and affordable housing, free from political or partisan considerations. He confirmed that this mandate had driven the Authority to secure land in 28 states.
On 9 May 2024, Governor Otti’s administration generously provided 100 hectares of land to the FHA. Since then, the Authority has worked tirelessly, receiving tenders and holding groundbreaking ceremonies in Akwa Ibom and Kaduna states.
Mr Ojo stressed that the FHA had taken deliberate precautions to avoid delays, stating: “Situational contingencies have made us double-check before starting the project, so we will not encounter major challenges that could stall work. The days of abandoned projects are over.”
He assured Abia residents that the FHA would not fail them, adding that the Renewed Hope mantra extends beyond housing to include facilities that ease life for allottees and residents. He promised the governor a development defined by the FHA’s signature standards and called on the host community for full cooperation.
Earlier, Arc. Ezekiel Nya Etok, Executive Director of Estate Services and Chairman of the Groundbreaking Committee, thanked Governor Otti for his hard work and dedication to the people’s welfare, congratulating him on bringing the FHA to Abia.
Providing a project overview, Arc. Peter Okpanachi, General Manager of Partnerships, said the Authority plans to build approximately 1,200 housing units catering to all societal strata. House types will include bungalows, blocks of flats, terraces, and detached duplexes. Delivery models will range from direct construction and partnerships to site-and-services schemes.
In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti commended Mr Ojo as honest, upright, and hard-working, and urged Nigerians to set aside political and religious distractions when pursuing development and welfare.
