Victoria Ojugbana, Lagos 

To reduce the housing deficit and provide a conducive environment for families to live in, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday commissioned the LAGOSHOMS Ibeshe, in the Ikorodu area of the state. Governor  Sanwo-Olu, who named the estate after the late Babatunde Olosola Benson, described the estate as a modern residential area dedicated to the well-being of residents of the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of LagosHOMS Ibeshe Phase 11, said that that his administration has created 16,904 jobs through the construction work in various housing schemes, adding that the housing projects have direct economic engagements for consultants, contractors and artisans in Lagos.

While unveiling another set of 480 homes delivered through direct budgetary allocation, Sanwo-Olu noted that every responsive government knows the impact of good and decent homes on the welfare of the people. He noted that a decent home enhances the quality of life and promotes a general sense of wellbeing. 

These, he said, have a ripple effect on other areas of life by adding meaning and essence to living.
Governor Sanwo-Olu that it is in acknowledgement of this fact that his administration considers housing development to be a priority on its agenda. 

On his part, the state Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the event showed beyond all doubt, the readiness of the present administration to drive with great vigour, the all-around development of the state. Akinderu-Fatai said that the estate, which is constructed through budgetary allocation, is located close to the shoreline thereby making it a choice residential scheme. He assured that with 480 new homes of various categories in this neighbourhood, the socio-economic indices of the area are bound to improve.

The governor disclosed that provision of housing remains one of the mandates of his administration, adding that the commissioning ceremony was clear testimony and an indication of fulfilment of electoral promises.

“I wish to say that in the past two-and-a-half years, we have been earnestly addressing the huge housing deficit in the state. It is important to note that the gap in supply and demand of homes 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 the population growth rate of the state. The massive migration of people from all over the federation to Lagos State places 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. About five weeks ago, we commissioned an Estate of 100 homes constructed through a joint venture in Lekki. Today, we are here again to release another set of 480 homes delivered through direct budgetary allocation.

“In utilizing these two strategies of partnership with the private sector and budgetary allocation, we have been able to deliver 13 major housing schemes all over the state. We are still counting because we are still at work in a number of housing construction sites all over the state. Apart from the one being commissioned today, three schemes are virtually ready and awaiting commissioning at Sangotedo, Odo-Onosa Ayandelu, and Agbowa.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said that by the time his administration is marking the third anniversary, a total of 7,000 homes would have been delivered to the people.

He said that the state government is embarking on a partnership with the private sector to provide more housing needs for the people, adding that the private sector involvement in housing development is vital to a robust housing delivery policy.

“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 a few. By involving the private sector, the State is widening the home provision net and opening the door wider for more homeownership opportunities,” he said.

The governor hinted that the provision of more housing facilities in urban, suburban and rural areas is part of his administration’s  T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, saying housing falls under the Pillar M-making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, explaining that the state government is focusing on the Built sector as a driving factor for economic development, social inclusion and job creation.

Sanwo-Olu added: “In terms of job creation, through the construction work in our various housing schemes, the State has been able to create,17000 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 18000 indirect jobs for the informal sector.”

The governor said that phase II of the Ibeshe Housing scheme that its foundation for the construction was being laid will yield a total of 192 two-bedroom flats with supporting infrastructure which will include a network of roads, drainage system, car park, electricity and water reticulation system.