Abayomi Olamilekan
The Federal Government, through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), has commenced the development of a 241-unit housing scheme in Osogbo, Osun State, as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to decent accommodation.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Renewed Hope Estate was held on Thursday at the East Bypass area of Osogbo. The project is being developed on about 33 hectares of land in partnership with Summit Group Limited under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, represented by the Executive Director of Estate Services, Nya-Etok Ezekiel, said the project was designed not only to provide housing but also to create a well-planned and sustainable community.
According to the FHA, the mixed-use development will comprise residential units, commercial spaces and recreational facilities designed to meet the needs of families, workers and entrepreneurs.
The project is expected to feature 241 plots with supporting infrastructure and amenities, including a water treatment plant, clinic, police post, recreational centres, worship centres, a hotel, petrol station and an FHA Mortgage Bank facility.
Ojo said the housing initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the country’s housing challenges through partnerships with the private sector.
He noted that government alone could not bridge the housing gap, stressing that Public-Private Partnerships could help accelerate housing delivery while promoting efficiency, quality and investment.
The FHA also said the development would contribute to economic activity in Osun State by creating employment opportunities and supporting businesses within the construction and property value chains.
The Managing Director of Summit Group Limited, Otunba Olalere Olabode, said the company would construct the 241 housing units in different sizes on the allocated land.
He described the development as a premium estate designed with affordability in mind and encouraged Nigerians and prospective homeowners to take advantage of the project.
Earlier, the FHA’s General Manager, Partnership and Zonal Coordination, Peter Okpanachi, said the estate would incorporate modern infrastructure and essential services to create a comfortable and secure environment for residents.
The Executive Director of Projects Implementation, Oluremi Omowaiye, said the project would provide an alternative to the existing Government Reserved Area in Osogbo, while assuring that the FHA would apply its expertise to ensure quality delivery.
The FHA also disclosed that it is preparing for further housing developments across the country, with projects and partnerships underway in states including Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna and Abia, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The Osogbo project is therefore expected to form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to expand housing supply, promote private-sector participation and provide more Nigerians with access to planned and liveable communities.
