PMB Fulfills Promise of National Housing Programme to Nigerians in Delta State

President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN at the commissioning ceremony of Phase 1 of the National Housing Programme at Issele Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State stated that fulfilment of the promise on provision of houses under the National Housing Programme (NHP) to Nigerians is an example of promise of change made to Nigerians by the current administration.

“Our desire and commitment towards improving the human condition and our message of change, have another facet beyond job creation. It responds to those who have long aspired to own a home, and that dream has come true with this project,” Buhari said.

Mr. President remarked, “When our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), sought your mandate to form Government in 2015, one of the things we promised was change.”

The  Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr.Babatunde Raji Fashola,SAN who was represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Mr. Biodun Oki, said “In 34 States of Nigeria, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing , has delivered projects like this with the support of the State Governors who provided the land.”

He remarked, “There are many things to be said about this project , from its design to the economic impact and the social impact on this community. In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desired.”

The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing , Engr. Chukwunwike  Uzo  who was represented by the Director  Public Buildings and Housing Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Arc. Solomon Labafilo remarked, “The Ministry is promoting local content in line with  Executive Orders 3 and 5 . The use of available local building materials in the National Housing Programme has stimulated the economy through the production and use of the materials . The overall economic value chain arising from the housing construction activities is mostly beneficial to the Nigerian youths.

Governor of Delta State, H.E Ifeanyi A. Okowa who was  represented by   the Commissioner of Housing in Delta State, Chief Festus Ochonogor  told the people that shelter is part of human needs and housing estate is part of crucial development of the society.  He said the housing gap can be bridged through Public and Private Partnership   to address the housing needs of the people.

In his goodwill message , the Asagba of Asaba , HRH Joseph Chike Edozien , CFR, JP represented by the Okowa Owelle Asaba , Chief  Chris Chukwurah, FNSE, said , “This project is number one in this country and we thank Federal Government for citing this edifice in this area and for giving some of these houses to Super Eagle players to actualize the promise made to them by  the Abacha regime. “

The Chief said that the National Housing Programme   has improved the poverty level of the people within the area. He enjoined the beneficiaries to maintain the houses which would spur the Federal Government to provide more houses.

House of Representatives Member representing Aniocha North /South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu represented  by Hon. Anthony  Okeibuno said Federal Government is collaborating with the Delta State Government in developing housing and other areas of development in the state . He said, “I congratulate the beneficiaries and I enjoin them to make good use of the houses.”

One of the  contractors ,Engr. Nze Upright thanked the Honourable Minister for his consistence in following up the projects through to  the stage of commissioning. He appealed to the Minister for more funding for the Second Phase of the National Housing Programme.

One of the artisans, Stephen Achi said that he thanked the President and the Minister for the housing projects because working with the contractors  made him to earn enough to start his own personal project.

A food seller at the site of the building, Promise Innocent expressed her satisfaction with the projects because her earning capacity has improved since the beginning of the project as workers and the artisans on site patronized her shop and five other shops within the site.

During a media interactive session Mr.Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN denied the media report that he was involved in any motor accident during inspection tour to the 2nd Niger Bridge in Anambra and Delta States two days ago with the Chief of Staff to Mr.President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Minister of Labour and Productivity,Senator Chris Ngige and others.

Fashola said, “It is unfortunate that some sections of the media choose to tell sensational premium lies. We were not involved in any accident.”

Some of the dignitaries at the event included  some directors from the Ministry and some members of the Delta State Executive Council .  The NYSC Band Delta State and other traditional cultural musical groups in Delta State   were at the event of commissioning to entertain the guests.