*Prioritizes Social Service Over Profit in Housing Scheme
Segun Atanda/
The Ogun State Government has announced that it will begin allocating 200 housing units to subscribers of the Kobape Phase III housing scheme starting July 1, 2024.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Dapo Abiodun-led administration, emphasizes the government’s commitment to providing social services rather than generating profit.
The Commissioner for Housing, Alhaji Jamiu Akande Omoniyi, shared this update during a press conference, addressing the activities of his ministry. He reiterated that the state’s housing policy aims to serve both local residents and those in the diaspora who wish to live and work in Ogun State.
Allocation Process Clarified
To dispel any confusion surrounding the allocation process, Omoniyi confirmed that 110 out of the 200 subscribers will receive their allocation letters starting Monday, on a first-come, first-served basis. He urged subscribers to check for their names and assured that 36 individuals who defaulted would have their deposits fully refunded.
“Out of the 200 subscribers of Kobape Phase III who have been writing and defaming the government, we will be allocating 110 housing units immediately. These allocations are based on individual circumstances and primarily on a first-come, first-served basis,” Omoniyi said.
He further elaborated on the decision to refund defaulters without any deductions, stating, “From our records, 36 subscribers defaulted, and decisions have been made to refund them immediately. Although there is a clause in their allocation letter that there would be 10 percent deductions as administrative charges, Prince Dapo Abiodun has magnanimously waived this. They will receive their refunds in full.”
Future Allocations and Housing Delivery
Omoniyi also mentioned that the remaining 54 subscribers would receive their allocations in the next batch, as their files are currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and Internal Audit. “
As soon as that is sorted out, which involves just 27 blocks of 2-bedroom houses, they will have their homes delivered. Given that the houses are bungalows, they will be completed within two to three months,” he said.
Affordable Housing for All
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Omoniyi stated, “Ogun State Government, under Prince Dapo Abiodun, remains the best in Nigeria in providing affordable housing. When others were selling their 2-bedroom units for N15 million, our benchmark was N5.5 million in 2019. The government has built more than 4,000 housing units since its inception, surpassing what previous administrations combined have achieved since 1976.”
The commissioner attributed this success to the state’s subsidy on major inputs in the delivery of these houses, with subscribers paying only for the buildings while the government provided the land and infrastructure free of charge.
Upcoming Projects
Omoniyi concluded by announcing that three estates in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, and Ilaro, with a combined total of 500 housing units, would be commissioned soon. “Works have been completed on these estates, and the houses are currently being painted,” he said.
This allocation marks a significant step in the Ogun State Government’s efforts to provide affordable housing and improve the living standards of its residents.
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