The Federal Housing Authority has flagged off the construction of its Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marking a major step in the Federal Government’s drive to deliver affordable homes to Nigerians.

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, and attended by Oyetunde Ojo, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the FHA.

Ojo, speaking through a statement issued and signed on Friday by the FHA’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu, described the governor as a leader deeply committed to the welfare of his people, particularly in the area of housing provision. He recalled the governor’s early support for the project, noting that he provided the Authority with land free of charge and pledged further assistance to ensure its success.

Ojo stated, “I recall vividly that on May 2, 2024, when I led my management team to visit Your Excellency to seek the buy-in and collaboration of Akwa Ibom State in our Renewed Hope Housing agenda, this state, through Your Excellency, gave us the reception and encouragement that has not been matched anywhere.”

Speaking further, the FHA boss said Governor Umo Eno not only provided prime land but also promised to give all necessary support to ensure the initiative’s success.

He added that the Authority’s decision to launch the Renewed Hope Housing programme from Akwa Ibom was a deliberate gesture to reciprocate the governor’s goodwill and partnership.

“We are starting the fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise of renewing the hope of having roofs over their heads in livable and affordable houses. The importance of good shelters cannot be overemphasised as far as productivity and a good life are concerned,” Ojo said.

According to him, the FHA has completed procurement processes for housing construction across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with plans already concluded for groundbreaking ceremonies in Kaduna, Abia, Ogun, Ekiti, Kogi, and Adamawa states.

Ojo also revealed that the authority has been completing and commissioning inherited projects in line with President Tinubu’s directive that “the days of abandoned projects are over.”

He emphasised that the project in Akwa Ibom represents more than another housing estate, describing it as “a livable and affordable environment which is the signature of the Federal Housing Authority.”

Ojo thanked Governor Umo Eno for providing the authority with the platform to establish its presence in Akwa Ibom for the first time in its over 50 years of existence, adding that the project’s value chain would create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the state.

In his address, Umo Eno expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and to the FHA for choosing Akwa Ibom as the launch site of the programme.

He noted that such federal projects align with his administration’s commitment to collaboration with the Federal Government to tackle the housing deficit and accelerate development.

The governor revealed that, besides the FHA project, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development had been allocated 50 hectares of land for its own housing initiative.

He stressed the importance of prioritising the welfare of workers, stating: “Our civil servants are at our hearts; that is why we are doing a lot in the area of housing. We have the Aviation City, Judicial City, Legislative, and Executive estates all built to house our people.”

Governor Umo Eno further assured that his government would not compromise on the welfare of Akwa Ibom residents, urging the FHA to ensure the project’s speedy completion.

He said the state’s robust security architecture would also be extended to protect the housing site, emphasising that “the government does not compromise or play politics with the welfare of the people.”

The Renewed Hope Housing Scheme is a flagship initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration designed to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and promote inclusive home ownership.

Implemented through the Federal Housing Authority and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the programme aims to provide affordable, quality, and livable homes for low- and middle-income earners across the six geopolitical zones.

Under the Renewed Hope agenda, the Federal Government has prioritised partnerships with state governments to provide land and support infrastructure, while the FHA oversees construction and delivery.

The initiative is part of broader economic reforms to stimulate job creation, strengthen local building industries, and ensure that every Nigerian has access to decent housing in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on sustainable cities and communities.