By Joy Salami
In a bid to tackle housing deficit and provide affordable homes in Kogi State, the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development has concluded plans to organise a two-day stakeholders’ symposium.
The event scheduled for November 27 and 28, 2024, in Lokoja, has as it’s theme “Modern Housing and Urban Renewal in Kogi State.”
The symposium aims to bring together key players in the housing sector to develop actionable ideas and strategies.
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, who disclosed this during a press briefing, emphasised the state government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises of affordable housing for all, particularly the less privileged.
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Hon Abanika highlighted Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo’s dedication to addressing the state’s housing challenges, stating that the initiative aligns with the governor’s campaign pledges.
“The ministry, though newly created, is leveraging the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide decent and affordable housing for Kogi residents,” Abanika said.
As part of these efforts, the commissioner revealed that 200 hectares of land have been allocated to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) for the construction of over 1,000 housing units in Kogi State.
Additionally, housing provisions for civil servants have been included in the 2025 draft budget, which is set to be presented to the State House of Assembly for approval.
“These initiatives will help reduce the cost of accommodation across the state,” he added.
Hon. Abanika also disclosed plans for a road-walk awareness campaign during the event to promote urban renewal and regeneration.
Joining the conversation, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Engr. Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the urban renewal agenda.
He noted that the Ministry of Works is working closely with the Housing Ministry to ensure infrastructure development is prioritized in new housing projects.
“We are committed to providing road networks, drainage systems, and other critical infrastructure to support housing development and improve the living conditions of residents,” Ahovi stated.
The symposium will serve as a platform to draft a blueprint for policy formulation and implementation, ensuring affordable housing becomes a reality for the citizenry.
