Bayelsa State Government pledges free land to FHA.
…As the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits the state.

The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri has pledged to make land available to the Federal Housing Authority free of charge to support the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of President Ahmed Tinubu.
This was disclosed Friday, 3rd May 2024 when when the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Hon Oyetunde Ojo paid him a courtesy visit.

The FHA Chief Executive had in his address told the governor that his team was in Bayelsa state in continuation of the Authority’s nation wide consultation with State governments in preparation for the take off President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda programme on Housing.
Hon Ojo said Bayelsa was the 18th state FHA.consulting and taking the message of President Tinubu to in about 3 weeks. He reminded the Governor that Mr President from his campaign manifesto had made the provision of affordable housing to Nigerians a priority.
The MD said that the new FHA management he is leading, in playing a prominent role in the realization of this agenda has resolved to consult all the States in the country.
He reiterated that the Authority would no longer engage in any housing project without consulting with the people the houses are being built for. In his words, ” … gone are the days we will sit in Abuja and decide what to build for the people”.
Hon Ojo told Governor Diri that the state governors as the custodians of land in the states are so crucial in the provision of affordable houses and are also in the best position to know the exact housing needs of their people.
He therefore told the Governor that FHA has come to ask for land from the state for the Renewed Hope Housing programme. Continuing, the MD said, “… we have come to ask for land to develop. We are not going to speculate. We will sit with your people to design the houses to your taste because you know the .culture of the people “.
Hon Ojo underlined the need to carry along the people in any housing project from the beginning to give the the desired sense of ownership. This he said is the antidote to the issue of houses not taken on completion.
On the models and affordability, the MD re – echoed the Authority’s stance on carcas, where only the exterior, electrical and plumbing would be provided and finishing left for the people. He used the opportunity to once more condemn imposing finishing on the people, a matter that adds to unaffordability of houses.
He noted that the Authority also would build Studio apartments and One Bedrooms in consideration of the youths and those starting life.
The FHA CEO also hinted on the Diaspora City initiative, where Nigerians living abroad would have befitting houses back home and saved from fraudsters.
FHA Hon Oyetunde noted is known for developing cities within cities. The value chain benefits of Housing and construction he noted leads economic growth through job creation and is used all over the world to fight inflation.
Finally, he asked for the collaboration of the state government in providing off takers for the project and granting waivers to the Authority which would reduce the cost and aid affordability.
The State Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri in his response appreciated the MD and his team for the pragmatic style of leadership in FHA. He stated that he gas following the Authority’s tour of states in the country for consultation, noting that is the way to go..
He decried what he called the attitude of some government officials who stay in Abuja and take decisions for the people.
In his words ‘:..most officers in Federal Government stay in Abuja and take decisions for others”.
He said that the Authority’s decision of consulting with the people should be the standard practice. By consultations, the Authority would have avoided lots of factors that can impede project delivery. “This should be the standard of every Federal Government officer”, he stated.

Governor Diri who expressed happi

FHA MD/ CEO, Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Akwa Ibom State.
…As Governor Umo Eno pledges to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu .

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno has pledged full support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) on housing. This was made known Thursday, 2nd May 2024, when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority Hon Oladimeji Oyetunde Ojo paid a visit to the state.

The Governor who in an unprecedented manner handed over an allocation letter and survey plan of 50.3 hectares of land in Uyo to Federal Housing Authority for the Renewed Hope Housing programme, commended the Authority’s management under the leadership of Hon Oyetunde Ojo for adopting policy of consulting with the state governments before embarking on any project.
Governor Eno frowned at the idea of some agencies coming into states and do works without consulting the states who are the major Stakeholders, said he wishes they could emulate the inclusivity disposition of FHA management.

He noted that his government has not done any project in the State without engaging the Stakeholders. In his words, “we watch as your management travels to engage State governments. There is no project we have done in Akwa Ibom without engaging with the Stakeholders holders. We wish other agencies will emulate you”

Earlier, Hon Ojo had informed the Governor that the reason for the visit was for the Authority’s new management to pay him a courtesy visit and to bring President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Housing to the state.

The FHA CEO noted that Akwa Ibom is the 15th state his Management would be visiting in about three weeks, and stated that the reason for the visits is to consult with the state Governors who are the custodians of lands in their various states. Hon Ojo pointed out that it is needless embarking on housing projects without having the imputs of the people who the houses are built for. He said consulting with the Stakeholders makes the people to take ownership of such projects and reduces the incidents of such houses not taken on completion.
He therefore told the governor that FHA has come to ask for land. According to him, ” … we have come to request for land to develop Mass Housing for the people of the state. We are not going to speculate on the land”

The FHA boss said that the Authority would partner with the government in coming up with designs that would suite the people, rather than imposing one on them. He noted that FHA is known for developing cities within cities, citing Festac Town, Lagos and Gwarinpa in Abuja as examples.

On the affordability of the houses as mandated by Mr President, Hon Ojo said FHA has come up with such delivery models as carcas ,where only the exterior will have a prototype finishing, then plumbing and electricals because of their sensitive nature, leaving the allottees to do the rest finishing according to their individual taste and capacity.

He also said such other model as studios would be targeting the younger ones, who are starting live.

The MD told the governor that FHA is planning Diaspora cities across the states for the benefit of our people outside the country. He hinted that the Authority launched its digitalisation drive on the 1st of May, 2024 a feature that will help in the Diaspora initiative.
He finally requested the state government to assist in getting off takers and helping in reducing some of the bottle necks in developing the houses which would definitely help in reducing the cost of the houses.

He noted that the value chain of construction and Housing development has been a major tool in fighting inflation all over the world and as such would be of great benefit to the state.
Hon Ojo noted that the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda is non political but all about Nigerians in the directives of Mr President. He stated that President Tinubu has put politics aside and is determined to work for the good of all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation or tribe.

Celebrating Gbajabiamila’s Twin Babies In NASS

By Philip Agbese

As the dust settles on the newly renovated main Chambers of the National Assembly, a sense of pride and accomplishment fills the air. As I sit down to write this piece, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation that has taken place within the hallowed halls of the National Assembly, all thanks to the indomitable spirit and vision of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The recent renovation of the main Chambers of the National Assembly, which now houses the Representatives and the Senate, is nothing short of a dream come true. The newly established National Assembly Library and Research Centre stands as evidence of the unwavering dedication of Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Chief of Staff to the President.

The Book of History was filled again with overwhelming salient paragraphs when the Chief of Staff to the President and immediate past, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR visits the new National Assembly Library/Resource Centre and the Newly renovated House of Representatives Chambers, projects facilitated in the 9th Assembly under Gbajabiamila’s leadership. There, he was received by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., principal officers, and other members of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly on Monday.

In a manner reminiscent of a woman in the labour room discovering she’s been carrying twins, the unveiling of these projects has brought an unexpected and delightful surprise to the forefront. The parallel between the birth of new life and the rebirth of the National Assembly is both humorous and enlightening, underscoring the unforeseen potential that lay dormant, waiting to be realized.

What sets these achievements apart is not just their aesthetic appeal but the fact that they were executed and delivered by indigenous contractors. The successful completion of these projects and the inspection of both facilities on Monday has confirmed what many of us have long believed – that we are more than capable of achieving greatness without relying on foreign companies who often seek to exploit us for their gain.

The inspection of these facilities has not only confirmed their quality but has also served as a resounding rebuttal to the notion that foreign companies are the only ones capable of delivering large-scale projects. This display of homegrown excellence stands as a testament to the ingenuity and proficiency of Nigerian contractors, dispelling the myth that foreign entities hold a monopoly on quality construction.

Drawing parallels to the biblical story of Solomon completing the temple started by David, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., exemplifies humility and dedication, which I found admiring and worthy of note. Just as Solomon saw to the completion of his predecessor’s grand vision, Speaker Tajudeen has carried forward Gbajabiamila’s initiatives with grace and commitment. Hon. Abbas is not given to self-aggrandizement, but the one I know to be filled with total humility and respect. His leadership and collaborative approach have been instrumental in ensuring the successful realization of these projects, thereby further reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance.

The significance of these developments extends beyond the physical structures themselves. The renovated chambers and the establishment of the research center not only elevate the image of the parliament, but also reflects the grandeur of renowned parliaments, positioning the National Assembly as a hub for legislative research and innovation, not only within Nigeria but across the African continent. This development opens doors for collaboration and knowledge sharing among lawmakers, fostering a more informed and progressive legislative environment. The impact of these facilities will undoubtedly reverberate far beyond the walls of the National Assembly, leaving an indelible mark on the legislative landscape.

Reflecting on my visit to the British Parliament in 2018, I am struck by the uncanny resemblance between those esteemed halls and the newly refurbished chambers here in Abuja. This is a testament to the remarkable work of Gbajabiamila, and I am honoured to witness such a significant milestone during my tenure as a member of the House.

Now let’s picture this – the National Assembly undergoing a makeover, complete with a stylish new library and research centre. It’s as if the hallowed halls received a fabulous makeover, courtesy of none other than Gbajabiamila. The thought of stately politicians surrounded by the trappings of modernity is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

In the spirit of education and enlightenment, it’s crucial to highlight the transformative power of these developments for a clearer understanding. The establishment of a state-of-the-art research centre within our National Assembly is a cause for celebration, as it signifies our commitment to intellectual growth and legislative prowess. With these new facilities, the possibilities for groundbreaking research, innovative legislation, and collaborative efforts are simply boundless.

Special credit must also be given to Hon. Dan Amos, the current House Committee Chairman on House Services, for his outstanding supervision throughout the renovation and establishment processes. His meticulous oversight also ensured that these projects were executed seamlessly, delivering a result that meets the highest standards. Hon. Amos and his committee can be likened to the midwives who facilitated the successful delivery of Gbajabiamila’s vision for the National Assembly. Their dedication and attention to detail deserve good recognition.

As I sit privileged to serve as a member of the House, the transformation of the National Assembly under the leadership of Gbajabiamila has not only inspired a sense of pride but has also evoked a sense of humour and awe at the unexpected and delightful turn of events. The collaborative efforts and dedication of all those involved in making this dream a reality is much overwhelming and it’s a testament to the existing unity in Nigeria as a whole, irrespective of party affiliations or political loyalty. The juxtaposition of the unexpected twin babies and the unveiling of these projects serves as a profound testament to the fulfilment of a grand vision.

Truly for a fact, this recent unveiling of the refurbished chambers, alongside the inauguration of the National Assembly Library and Research Centre, marks a significant milestone in transforming Nigeria’s legislative hub. The brain behind this remarkable feat, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has not only delivered on his vision but has also set a new standard for indigenous excellence in infrastructure development.

In conclusion, the transformation of the National Assembly under the stewardship of Femi Gbajabiamila is not only a testament to his vision and leadership but a resounding declaration of the capabilities and potential of indigenous talent. Gbaja’s unwavering dedication to the betterment of the National Assembly has brought about a renaissance that will leave an indelible mark on the fabric of our legislative institution. The humour, the unexpectedness, and the educational significance of these developments all coalesce to paint a picture of a man who has redefined the landscape of the National Assembly and has emerged as the perfect embodiment of fulfillment.

As we bask in the glory of these achievements, let us not forget the humour and joy that accompanies such momentous occasions. After all, laughter and lightheartedness can make even the most serious of endeavours all the more enjoyable. With great delight and pride, I celebrate the birth of Gbajabiamila’s “twin babies” in the National Assembly, a testament to his vision, leadership, and the potential of indigenous excellence. Cheers to Gbajabiamila and the vibrant future of the National Assembly!

Agbese MHR is the Deputy Spokesperson, National Assembly’s House of Representatives, writing from Abuja.