16,904 jobs created through housing scheme in Lagos-  Sanwo-Olu

 

. Gov names Ibeshe LagosHOMS after B.O. Benson

IBRAHIM QUADRI

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday disclosed that since the inception of his administration a total number of 16,904 jobs have been created in the State through the construction of hoising scheme.

 

Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure at the commissioning 480 homes provided through direct budgetary allocation in Ibeshe area of the State.

 

The Govenror also named the newly inaugurated LagosHOMS after a prominent indigene of Ikorodu, late Babatunde Olusola Benson.

 

He urged the prospective allotees of the housing project to ensure that the place is properly kept in good use.

 

Speaking at the commissioning, Sanwo-Olu said, “We have been able to deliver 13 thirteen major housing schemes all over the State. We are still counting because as I speak with you, work is ongoing in a number of housing construction sites all over the State. Apart from the one being commissioned today, three housing schemes are virtually ready and awaiting commissioning at Sangotedo, Odo-Onosa Ayandelu, and Agbowa.

 

“The journey towards a Greater Lagos and building a 21st century economy continues today as we commission Laghoms Ibeshe, a modern residential estate dedicated to the well-being of the good people of Lagos State.

 

“In the past two and half years, we have remained committed to our promise to address the huge housing deficit in the State. It is important to note however that the challenge of housing deficit is not peculiar to Lagos State. Accommodation deficit is a challenge associated with all urban cities in the world. The situation in Lagos is however challenging because of its mega city status and the limited land area competing for various developmental purposes.

 

“The massive migration of people from all over the federation to Lagos State places a great pressure on the available housing facilities. In order to cope with this trend, the State Government regards it as a duty to keep on building more homes to take care of the increasing housing needs of its residents.

 

“Within this location, there is also a joint venture housing scheme which is being constructed in collaboration with a private investor. This is just one of the partnership efforts of this administration. There are still other joint venture schemes at Ijora-Badia, Tolu-Ajegunle, Lekki and Ajah to mention but a few. By involving the private sector, the State is widening the home provision net and opening the door wider for more home ownership opportunities. The private sector involvement in housing development is vital as it facilitates the delivery of much higher number of housing units than what the government can achieve using the direct budgetary provision option.

 

“Under the Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy pillar of the THEMES agenda, our administration is focusing on the Built sector as a driving factor for economic development, social inclusion and job creation. In deepening our activities in this sector, the economy of the State has been greatly revitalized. This is because building homes is a capital intensive activity that positively affects every sector of the economy.

 

“Housing Provision has also impacted positively on our social inclusion goals. For instance, the housing schemes completed by this administration are located in all parts of the State. A look at the location of the estates already completed will show that not only the urban areas but also suburban and rural parts are being touched by our housing provision endeavors. And more importantly, all socio economic groups from the high net worth individuals to the low income bracket in the State have their interest served in the array of homes that have so far been delivered.

 

“In terms of job creation, through the construction work in our various housing schemes, we have been able to create 16,904 (sixteen thousand nine hundred and four) direct economic engagements for consultants, contractors and artisans in the State. Other forms of indirect economic activities in form of food vending at sites, transportation for work gangs and other related undertakings also amounts to thousands of opportunities for the informal sector.

 

“In adding these aforementioned values to the intrinsic joy of home ownership and the advantages of building a decent ecosystem for family living, we feel that our focus on this sector is justified. I  therefore pledge that we will continue in this manner by deepening our activities in home provision with greater vigor in the coming months.

 

“In line with this resolve, we will be laying the foundation for the construction of the second phase of this housing scheme. This new phase will yield a total of 192 two bedroom flats. Supporting infrastructure will include a network of roads, drainage system, car park, electricity and water reticulation system.

 

“Our utmost goal is to build homes within livable surroundings and to create livable communities where our values are protected and cherished. Houses are good but homes are the ultimate. In developing and completing these schemes, we are putting in mind the total wellbeing of our people. We want our families to be nurtured in good environment and children brought up within good settings so that the legacy of excellence can continue into the future.

 

“In closing, I will want to implore all the prospective allottees of this new scheme to ensure that it is well maintained and kept in good state. Kindly take good care of the facilities so that this legacy can be an enduring one. For those who are still waiting for the home ownership opportunity, it will not be for too long before your dreams will become a reality. We are still working and I believe that with the help of God and your support, we will achieve more together.”

 

 

 

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said, “I must emphasize that the essence of all the activities in the sector is to strengthen the built sector so that positive impacts are seen in the lives of all the citizens. With more decent homes, the family ecosystem is better preserved, living standards are improved and the beauty of the environment is enhanced.

 

 

 

It is important to note that this estate which is constructed through budgetary allocation is located close to the shoreline thereby making it a choice residential scheme.  With 480 new homes of various categories in this neighborhood, the socio economic indices of the area are bound to improve.

 

It is worthy of mention that Housing Development comes under the pillar of making Lagos a 21st Century economy in the THEMES agenda. Based on this policy thrust, the State Government has been working on the completion of all the housing schemes initiated but left unfinished by previous administrations in the state. Private sector involvement in housing development is also being encouraged to the extent that many serious investors are now collaborating with the State Government. This has resulted in all the visible evidence of progress.

 

May I seize this opportunity   to thank the management and Staff of LSDPC for a job well done on this scheme, not forgetting the worthy contributions of the erstwhile MD/CEO Arc. Dhikrullah Har-Yusuph.  I know that with the expertise and experience deployed on the scheme, the allottees of this estate are assured of its safety and durability.