The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of 250 unit of affordable houses in Benue state under the Renewed Hope Housing Estates of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Speaking at the ground-breaking Friday at Km18 Makurdi-Gboko Road, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa said the project was in continuation of the housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Represented by the Minister of State, Alhaji Abdullahi Gwarzo, he said “under Phase One of this programme, we plan to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria. This includes seven Renewed Hope Cities that will have between 500 and 1,000 housing units per site in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country and the FCT, while the Renewed Hope Estates will have 250 units per site in the remaining 30 states.

“With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development. This is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, and build a $1trillion economy.”

While noting that the project would create massive employment opportunities, the Minister explained that the “estate comprises 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

“We are diligently funding these projects from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget that Mr. President approved for the Ministry to ensure sustainability, quality, and geographic spread.”

Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Urban Development, Imojime Tiza commended the vision and foresight of President Tinubu to tackle the housing challenge in the country.

He noted that with the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme the Federal Government was set to tackle the housing deficit in the country.

“We commend President Tinubu for providing the vision and political support necessary to transform the housing ams Urban landscape of our dear country for the collective good of our citizens.

He noted that adequate housing is a key necessity and important responsibility of government. Mr. President’s resolve to prioritize provision of housing shows his genuine commitment to service and this demonstrates the practical drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.”

The Governor assured that his administration would not relent to partner the Federal Government its determination to drive development in all parts of the country.

The District Head of Mbawa Community, Chief Joseph Ortese commended the Governor Alia and President Tinu for bringing the project to his community pointing out that the project would no provide employment opportunities for his people and also create wealth for his subject.

Also, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, Shehu Osidi restated the commitment of the bank to the housing needs of Nigerians.

He said “at the FMBN, we are proud to be associated with this project as a critical partner and we are committed to its success. As a measure of this commitment, we provided a N100billion  Off-takers Guarantee for the development and construction of 3,112 housing units at Karsana, Abuja which was flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, last February.