Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Friday, inaugurated a housing estate in Ogba area of the state and named it after the late pro-democracy activitist, Chief Anthony Enahoro.
Performing the ceremony, Fashola said that the 20-block estate was dedicated to Enahoro`s memory in recognition of his struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
He said that if not for the sacrifices made by the late activist and others like him, the democracy that the country was enjoying today would have been a pipe dream.
He added that it was on the platform of that hard-fought democracy that he could deliver the housing project and executing other life impacting projects.
“This housing project is more than an estate; it is a symbol of democracy. This is because it is our democratic experience that allowed us to deliver this.
“The democracy we are enjoying today was fought for by some people.
“Some of the people made so many sacrifices for the enthronement of democracy and in the process lost their lives. One of such is late Pa Anthony Enahoro.
“As a mark of recognition for his struggle for the country and democracy, I dedicate this estate in his honour and memory,’’ he said.
Fashola described democracy as the best form of government and urged citizens to guard it jealously by shunning acts that could truncate it.
He said that the delivery of the housing project was a demonstration of the commitment of his administration to reduce the housing deficit in the state.
He said that the estate comprising 240 housing units of one, two and three bedrooms, would be allocated to residents on a 10-year mortgage of not more than nine and a half percent interest rate.
Fashola said that the allocation of all homes built by his administration on mortgage was to defeat the problem of affordability and enable home seekers own houses conveniently.
He said that the project provided no fewer than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, saying that 13 construction companies handled the project and engaged 670 artisans and 780 casual labourers while the job lasted.
He disclosed that no fewer than 26 other housing projects were ongoing in Ibeshe, Igando, Sangotedo, Magodo, Badia and other locations, adding that when completed, they would further boost access to housing.
The governor urged residents to vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, for the continuation of his administration`s developmental strides.
Mr Peter Enahoro, the younger brother to the late activist, thanked Fashola for honouring the family.
He said the family would cherish the honour forever and commended the governor for all his interventionist strides in the state.
Earlier, Mr Bosun Jeje, Commissioner for Housing, said that the project was another milestone in the delivery of decent housing in the state.
He said that the estate was fitted with facilities like electricity, community hall, paved compound, landscaping and playground.
`The commissioner thanked Fashola for providing all the encouragement for the realisation of the project and pledged government`s commitment to the provision of more decent houses.
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How affordable are these houses for d common man? Govt needs to use the minimum wage as a basis for providing d so called affordable houses. Everything should not be left in the hands of d private who are profit oriented. Kudos APC, i wish other states could also copy gestures like this. Landlords are killing us in Lagos if u know wat i mean.
ReplyDeleteThis is a laudable and timely projects for Lagosians. It is very timely. The project, from the look of it, may not be attainable by the masses. However, it is a good beginning. The costs of each unit should have been mentioned in the publication. Equally, how many years will the mortgage payments last? These are the relevant facts that need to be revealed to the interested investors.
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