NEWS
ABIA-FEDERAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS GOVT CLARIFIES OWNERSHIP DEBATE, REAFFIRMS JOINT RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN FEDERAL AND STATE GOVTS
The Abia State Government has confirmed that arrangements have been concluded for the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Federal Housing Authority Housing Estate in Umuahia, located along the Ubani–Uzoakoli Road, a major project expected to further strengthen the state’s urban renewal and housing expansion agenda.
The development, which forms part of a broader collaboration between the Abia State Government and the Federal Ministry of Housing, is designed to significantly improve access to affordable housing, enhance urban planning, and drive sustainable community growth across Abia State.
According to the Commissioner for Information, the initiative reflects the administration’s continued drive under Governor Alex Otti to prioritize infrastructure projects that directly impact citizens’ welfare and reshape the state’s development trajectory. He emphasized that the government remains committed to delivering people-centered projects that uplift living standards and reposition Abia as a benchmark for modern urban development in Nigeria.
However, in addressing growing public debate and political commentary surrounding the ownership and classification of the housing initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on on Media and Publicity, Hon. Ferdinand Ekeoma, stepped in to provide clarity.
Ekeoma firmly dismissed claims suggesting that the project is solely a federal government undertaking, stressing instead that it is a collaborative effort between both tiers of government. He explained that the Abia State Government played a foundational role in the project, particularly through the donation of land and other strategic contributions necessary for its takeoff and implementation.
According to him, the essence of the project lies in partnership rather than ownership disputes, noting that governance should be centered on delivering value to the people rather than political contestations.
He further emphasized the importance of acknowledging the state’s role in the initiative, stating:
“The housing project, located along the Ubani–Uzoakoli Road, is a collaborative initiative between the Abia State Government and the Federal Ministry of Housing, designed to expand access to affordable housing, promote urban development, and strengthen sustainable community growth across the state,“ Ferdinand stated.
Reinforcing his position on the need for accurate public interpretation, Ekeoma added:
“we are not dragging anything with them. They (opposition party members) are playing politics over governance“
His clarification underscores the administration’s stance that the project should be viewed as a joint developmental effort aimed at improving housing availability and fostering inclusive growth, rather than a subject of political rivalry.
The Abia State Government reiterated that its partnership with the federal authorities on housing and infrastructure remains a key component of its broader development strategy, which continues to prioritize long-term benefits for resident
s across the state.