NEWS
ABIA BREAKS NEW GROUND AS GOV. OTTI FLAGS OFF 1,200 FHA RENEWED HOPE HOUSING UNITS IN UMUAHIA, POSITIONS STATE AS SOUTHEAST PIONEER IN FEDERAL HOUSING DRIVE
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has performed the ground-breaking ceremony of not less than 1,200 housing units under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Umuahia, the state capital, marking a significant milestone in the drive to expand access to affordable housing across the state.
The landmark project, situated along the Ubani–Uzuakoli Road in Umuahia North Local Government Area, is a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government. It is designed to bridge the housing deficit while delivering modern, affordable residential options to citizens.
With the official flag-off, Abia emerges as the first state in the South East and among the first five states nationwide to key into the housing initiative championed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, reinforcing its proactive stance in aligning with national development programmes.
Speaking during the ceremony held on Tuesday, April 21, Governor Otti disclosed that the project was birthed from earlier engagements with the FHA leadership, noting that the Authority’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer had approached him with the proposal at a time his administration was already exploring strategies to deliver affordable housing to Abians.
Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to the FHA leadership for their commitment and commended President Tinubu for driving the Renewed Hope Housing initiative across the country.
“I want to underscore the point that while we are working on our own to provide affordable housing for our people, Honorable Ojo reached out to me and said, I want to come to your State. That was two years ago, 2024.
“And I said, please come. I’m always happy to receive my friends and brothers. And he came. And the request was for land. And I said, consider it done. But we didn’t know it would happen so quickly,“ Governor Otti said.
Reaffirming his administration’s governance philosophy, the Governor stressed that the welfare of the people remains paramount, far above divisive considerations.
In his words, “So, that is what we have focused on here. And I like what he (MD/CEO) said. Everything, call it politics, call it ethnicity, call it religion, all those are distractions.
“The important thing to our people is the welfare of our people. And no matter what happens, our attention will continue to remain on the welfare of our people. That’s why we are here,“ he stated.
Addressing concerns around land acquisition, the Governor revealed that all verified landowners from the host communities who collectively provided about 100 hectares have largely been compensated. He noted that over 800 out of approximately 900 claimants have received full payment, with outstanding cases tied to documentation issues or disputes.
“These lands are owned by families and individuals.
“So, we didn’t deal with communities. We dealt with families and individuals, the original owners of the land.
“And the information available to me, at least, I know I signed off, over 900 claimants, those who own the land. At the last count, anybody that has not been paid, it means there is a problem.
“That means it’s either that your account number is wrong or there are more than two or three families and individuals claiming the land.
“Over 800 out of the around 900 claimants have been settled in full.
“So, the remaining less than 100 people, please resolve your problem so that you can take your money. The money is sitting in the bank and is not earning interest for the State,“ Governor Otti stated.
In separate goodwill messages, stakeholders including Rep. Obi Aguocha, Rt. Hon. Augustine Meregini, and Chief Victor Ikeji lauded both President Tinubu and Governor Otti for finally unlocking a project that had lingered for 18 years, describing the development as timely and transformative.
Delivering his address, the FHA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, described the ceremony as a strategic step toward fulfilling the Federal Government’s vision of delivering housing across all states of the federation.
“Our choice of kickstarting this project in the Eastern part of the country from Umuahia is very deliberate.
“Your Excellency, the hospitality and warm reception you gave to our management on Tuesday, 10th May, 2024, when we were visiting state Governors, soliciting for land for this programme remains indelible in our memory.
“Not only did you (Gov. Otti) readily tell us that your government has mapped out the land for us, you also promised to assist us in getting off – takers, true to your love of housing for your people of Abia state.
“Mr. President’s charge that the programme should be apolitical, irrespective of political affiliation was very clear and unambiguous.
“Your Excellency, we are not only developing an estate in Umuahia, we are going to create an environment that is the trade mark and signature Federal Housing Authority is noted for, which would be the pride of Abians,“ Hon. Ojo stated.
Hon. Ojo further commended Governor Otti’s leadership, highlighting visible improvements across sectors, particularly in Aba, which he noted has undergone remarkable transformation.
“I have known you (Governor) during your days in Diamond Bank. You are an accomplished banker. So, what I’m saying is just a continuation in what our President is also doing at the national level.
“Sometimes, it’s not about politics or political party. I always tell people that it’s about who can do the work.
“You don’t talk about religion. You don’t talk about ethnicity. All you talk about is the progress of human being,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing, Architect Chiemela Uzoije, alongside the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije, described the project as the long-awaited realisation of an initiative conceived nearly two decades ago. They emphasized that the collaboration between the state and federal governments would significantly close housing gaps while stimulating development along the project corridor.
Representing the host communities, Hon. Ugochukwu Ibe expressed gratitude to both the President and the Governor, offering prayers for the timely and successful completion of the project.
The event attracted a high-profile audience, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; members of the State House of Assembly; top government officials; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; and clergy, among them Archbishop Raphael Opoko.
The ground-breaking ceremony not only signals the commencement of a major housing project but also reinforces Abia State’s growing reputation as a hub for i
mpactful governance and strategic development partnerships.