On Friday, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the commencement of a 250-housing unit project in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom. This initiative is part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programs, aimed at addressing housing needs and stimulating economic development.
Project Launch and Objectives
During the ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, emphasized the project’s potential to create substantial job opportunities for the youth. He stated that the project would significantly contribute to employment in the construction sector.
What They Are Saying
Job Creation and Economic Impact
“This project will create no fewer than 6,500 construction sector-based jobs for architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, masons, plumbers, tilers, and electricians, among others,” said Mr. Tinubu. He added, “Today’s ceremony is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Government.”
President Tinubu highlighted the administration’s ambitious plan to deliver at least 50,000 housing units across the country in the first phase of the program. The initiative is intended to provide shelter, uplift lives, create jobs, and boost economic development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nationwide Initiative
“Recall that during the presidential kickoff of the program in Abuja, we embarked on the first leg of this exercise with the groundbreaking of 1,500 housing units in northern Nigeria,” Mr. Tinubu noted. This includes 250 housing units in each Renewed Hope Estate in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto states, and a 500-housing unit Renewed Hope City in Kano. “Work is currently ongoing in each of these sites. We intend to complete work on these projects within three months. We have zero tolerance for delays as far as this program is concerned,” he asserted.
Developer Expectations and Local Support
President Tinubu urged the developers—Messrs Trust Global Limited, Springwell Intercontinental Resources, and Hyousungs Limited—to ensure the estates were built according to specifications.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, represented by Head of Service Effiong Essien, welcomed the housing project, describing it as a positive development for the state. He encouraged the developers to demonstrate expertise and commitment in delivering the project.
“As a government, we have constructed 250 housing units for workers; we are also building compassionate homes for the less privileged in the state,” Governor Eno stated, highlighting the state government’s commitment to addressing housing needs.
Bottom Line
The launch of the 250-housing unit project in Akwa Ibom is a significant step in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programs. To deliver 50,000 housing units nationwide, the initiative promises not only to provide much-needed shelter but also to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth. As construction progresses, the collaboration between the federal and state governments, along with private developers, will be crucial in ensuring the timely and successful completion of these projects.
