The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) on Monday commissioned 100 units of two- and three-bedroom houses at the FHA Estate in Ajoda, Ibadan, marking the first phase of a proposed 1,000-unit housing project in the area.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Managing Director of FHA, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, said the development aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, under whose administration the current FHA leadership was appointed in February 2024.
“He gave us a marching order to renew the hope of Nigerians by delivering affordable housing for all,” Ojo said. “This estate was abandoned since 2018. We are here to correct that. This is just Phase One—900 more units will follow.”
Ojo emphasized that subsequent phases of the project will include provisions for all Nigerians, particularly those in the informal sector.
“The informal sector must also benefit. They often have more resources than the formal sector. We’re considering allocating 100 to 150 units to them,” he said, adding that studio apartments are being planned for young Nigerians just starting their careers.
He assured residents of adequate security and urged the Federal Mortgage Bank to intensify public awareness about mortgage options available to prospective homeowners.
“We won’t disappoint Nigerians or Mr. President. Under our administration, no project will be abandoned. Ibadan will receive the full 1,000 units,” he pledged.
In recognition of traditional institutions that facilitated land provision, Ojo announced the allocation of a two-bedroom unit each to the Alajia of Ajia, Oba Akinsola Oladepo, and the Onisade of Isade, Oba Saliu Oguntayo, on behalf of President Tinubu.
Earlier, Engr. Remi Omowaiye, FHA Executive Director of Project Implementation and Chairman of the Commissioning Committee, noted that similar affordable housing schemes are underway in 17 states.
“The next commissioning will take place in Abuja this August,” he revealed.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, Alhaji Shehu Usman Osidi, said Nigerians can access mortgage facilities at 6% interest for up to 30 years.
“It’s open to all Nigerians. Just walk into any of our branches to pick up a form. We have zero tolerance for corruption,” Osidi stated.
Mr. Ige Ayeni, representative of Greenwood Construction and Equipment Leasing Nigeria Limited, the developer of the estate, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to housing for all.
“This place was once a forest. Now it is giving hope to Nigerians who had lost it,” he said, adding that the housing units are not limited to civil servants but are also open to traders and artisans.
Oba Oladepo, one of the traditional rulers present, praised the government’s initiative but called for more infrastructure development in the estate and across Oyo State.
“We want good roads, steady electricity, and further federal intervention,” he said.
Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State, Fatunola Timothy, advocated for security-conscious estate designs that include armouries and accessible security posts.
Prof. A. Adenipekun, representing subscribers, urged the FHA to expand access to housing for young professionals.
“We still have many doctors and health workers who need accommodation. Once this project is completed, the number of subscribers will exceed expectations,” he noted.
