Experts solicit partnership between Kogi Govt, FMBN, others to provide affordable housing for citizens
By IBRAHIM MOMOH, Lokoja –
The Convener of Kogi Built Environment and Building materials, (BEBM), Exhibitions, Engr. Bayode Oladipo has called on the Kogi state Government and other private organisations to partner and collaborate with the Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria, (FMBN) to address the issue of housing affecting low income earners in the state.
Engr. Oladipo noted that the synergy will no doubt reduce the pressure of housing challenge faced by citizens, which is not only affecting low income earners, but also medium income earners.
Engr. Bayode made the assertion during his opening remarks at the 6th Annual BEBM Exhibitions chaired by High Royal Majesty, the Elulu of Mopa-Amuro , Oba Muyiwa Oseun held on Tuesday at Idrinana Hotel, Lokoja.
He maintained that the problem of housing has become a major issue confronting citizens, “We all know that the basic needs of a family is food, clothing and shelter. And in our country today, because of the cost of living, housing has become an issue.
“So, it is an issue that the government, both at federal and state levels must come together and work to find a lasting solution.
He also said that the patronage of the home based building materials would go a long way in boosting Nigeria’s economy.
“I want to affirm that effective utilisation of local building materials would surely encourage those in the business to invest heavily in the industry
“I wish to use this forum to appeal to producers of local building materials to endeavour to make their products affordable within the reach of the common people
“This plea is in line with the THEME of today’s event titled “Local Building Materials: Affordable Strategy for Housing in Nigeria and The Path To Economic Rejuvenation”
Highpoint of the opening session of the event was paper presentations by the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), Professor Kabir Bala and the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Professor Abdulraman Asipita
The Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria, FMBN, also shed light on the reasons why the government and private organisations most partner with FMBN To ensure that the civil servants gets affordable housing to live.
“Govt needs to make provision for the low income earners”, this commitment to partner in providing housing will help in mitigating the plight of the citizens, he said.
He described the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as people-oriented, given the seriousness the FMBN is given in ensuring that civil servants and low income earners benefits from his organisation.
He stressed that the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo has make serious efforts to built 150 and 250 Housing Estates in Kogi saying, FMBN will ensure the success of the projects.
“It’s not just building housing for the sake of building, but building in such a way that will consider the income of the would-be occupiers. It means, BEBM has the people at heart.”
While noting the strategic position of kogi State in the country, he solicited for Governor Ododo’s partnership in making available land to enable the authority fulfill its mandate of providing affordable housing to the people.
“We are always available to provide affordable housing to Nigerians. In the president Tinubu’s administration, we all know that housing is a specified area in which he really talked on.
“Right now in Nigeria, we are lacking shelter seriously. And I say, it’s not only lacking shelter, it’s about being affordable. And what is affordable? It is what the low income earners can really purchase and afford.