From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ododo
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has given directive for the immediate commencement of work at the proposed 1,000 units housing estate under the Renewed Hope Housing Project in the state.
Governor Ododo disclosed this while playing host to the Management of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) led by the Managing Director, Honourable Ayotunde Ojo on a working visit to Lokoja, the state capital
Governor Ododo noted that the meeting is aimed at finalizing preparations for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Housing Project in the state, adding that it is a further demonstration of the resolve of his administration to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the meeting with the management of the Federal Housing Authority as timely in view of the determination of his administration to ensure that Kogi State enjoys her fair share of efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the housing deficit in Nigeria with the Renewed Hope Housing Project.
While commending previous efforts made by the state government to address housing deficit in the state, Governor Ododo noted that Kogi state is critical to the actualisation of federal government policy to provide affordable housing for the Nigerian populace under the Renewed Hope Agenda in view of the strategic location of the state.
“As a state that borders nine other states and the FCT, our population growth and the effect of urbanization and migration to the state from neighbouring states and the FCT for social and economic reasons has significantly impacted housing needs in Kogi State.
“It will be the most strategic choice for the FHA through the Renewed Hope Housing Project of Mr President to consider Kogi State as a prime location for the Renewed Hope City.
“Kogi State is hereby allocating 100 hectares of land to the Federal Housing Authority to commence the building of the Renewed Hope City with full compensation paid by the government,” Governor Ododo said.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Kogi State worthy of consideration for the Renewed Hope Housing Project, stressing that the construction of the Renewed Hope City in Kogi State is in line with his campaign promise to make Kogi state open for business and by expanding housing development beyond the 16 kilometer radius of the state capital master plan.
The governor assured the FHA of all the support required to ensure successful implementation of the Renewed Hope City in the state.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika said the working visit by the management of the Federal Housing Authority will serve as an impetus for the state to key into the Renewed Hope Housing Project aimed at enhancing access to affordable housing by all Nigerians particularly the people of Kogi State.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Ayotunde Ojo described his visit to Kogi state as a home coming due to his ancestral connection with the state capital.
He commended Governor Ododo for the bold initiatives of giving priority to the welfare of workers and ensuring security of lives and property in the state.
He assured that the organization will mobilize resources to commence the construction of the Renewed Hope City in the state as soon as possible.
The Kogi State Renewed Hope City is to be located on a 100 hectares of land off the Lokoja-Okene road in Zariagi.
Meanwhile , the government has promised a robust welfare package to motivate teachers for quality service delivery.
The state’s Deputy Gov., Joel Salifu, gave the assurance at a three-day “Education Study Circle Leadership” workshop for members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)
Salifu said that Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration within three months in office had been fulfilling the promises made to teachers during the electioneering campaign.
Salifu, who was a former Kogi NUT Chairman, noted that there had been tremendous improvement in teachers welfare in the state particularly at the local government level.
He appreciated the entire teachers of Kogi for voting massively for Ododo/Salifu ticket during the November 11 governorship election.
He said, “NUT is where I come from; I am happy to be here today because I always belong to NUT, and I am proud to be part of Ododo’s administration.
“We have seen a lot of promises being fulfilled for teachers within three months of this administration and it will continue.
“What has happened within three months of Ododo’s administration was unprecedented.
“I know as a talk and do governor, there are betters days ahead for teachers.”
Earlier, the National Coordinator, NUT Study Circle Leadership Project, Mr Solomon Igbelowowa, said the workshop was to enhance and build the capacity of teachers for effective performance.
On his part, the state NUT Deputy Chairman, Mr Seun Ayorinde, commended the deputy governor for honouring the invitation in spite his busy schedule to associate with his union.
Ayorinde assured that the total and continuous support of teachers for Ododo/Salifu administration to ensure their outstanding success for the benefits of the entire people of the state.
