By Samuel Edu
The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Monday commissioned a 100 housing unit of 20 units, 1-bedroom detached bungalows, 40 units of 2-bedroom detached bungalows and 40 units of 3-bedroom detached bungalows in Ilara Mokin, Ifedore Local Government area of Ondo State.
The project, financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, is said to be geared towards the attainment of quality housing in Nigeria under the National Affordable Housing Delivery Program for Nigerian workers developed by Plural Development Nigeria Limited.
In his address, Akeredolu, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, appreciated the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, stressing that projects of its nature is pivotal to development.
The Governor, who expressed concerns over the increasing housing deficit in the country, assured that his administration was ever ready to make enough lands available for projects of such nature.
“Housing deficit has risen to 28 millon. This is more alarming because population is growing and housing is very essential. We appreciate this laudable move notwithstanding the limited resources.
“I can assure you that any time you come for land as requested, you will have more than enough lands. We thereby call on other private establishments to take a lead from this great initiative.
“No doubt, FMBN has been of great help in providing housing loans for the people of Ondo State, which has in no small measure brought a great development to our state.
“I want to congratulate the people of Ondo State and particularly the people of Ilara Mokin for this development.”
Earlier in his address, the Managing Director of Plural Development Estate, Malam Abdulkarim Ahmed said the company had through the project created both formal and informal job opportunities for hundreds of Nigerians.
While appreciating the government for its collaborations so far, he pleaded for more cordial relationship, stressing that Plural Development Estate needed more support from the government to achieve its goals.
“From my company’s records, I can confirm to you that through this project, Plural Development Limited had created both formal and informal job opportunities for over 297 Nigerians successfull,” he stated.
In his remarks, the President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Waba, represented by Mr Benson Upah thanked the FMB for the initiative, saying it is line with the renewed drive to increase the delivery of affordable housing to Nigerian workers.
Present at the the occasion were the Ondo State Head of Service; Pastor Kayode Ogundele, Secretary to the State Government; Catherine Oladunni Odu, Special Adviser to the governor on union matters and special duties; Mr Dare Aragbaye, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Rural Matters; Babatunde Kolawole, and other top government functionaries.
Other dignitaries include; Executive Director, Properly Management, Federal Mortgage bank; Kingsley Chukwuma, the Managing Director Plural Development Estate; Malam Abdulkarim Ahmed, National President, Nigeria Labour Congress; Ayuba Waba represented by Benson Upah amongst others.
