Displaced persons and low-income earners in Ngamdu town, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, have joined families in the state with access to decent homes.
The 300 housing units of semi-detached two-bedrooms were commissioned recently by the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, in company of the Managing Director, Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), Femi Adewole.
In partnership with the state government, the Family Homes Funds financed the project and provided other technical support required to improve the living condition of low-income earners and Internally Displaced Persons in the state.
Ngamdu is one of towns attacked by insurgent groups over the years, which led to displacements and loss of homes. The project, which is one of many, complements the state’s initiative to re-construct, rehabilitate and resettle thousands of families.
The scheme, financed by the Family Homes Funds and taking place across several parts of the state is also providing up to 12,000 jobs for young people and enabling the long journey towards rebuilding these communities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor said: “We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Family Homes Funds for this very important contribution towards the rebuilding of several communities in Borno state. On our part, we will ensure that the remaining homes are completed within the next year and are allocated to the most vulnerable people in our state.
‘We are also ready to relocate more families as more homes are completed in other parts of the state. IDP camps have been faced with so many challenges, and we believe these homes will come as a great relief for the families.’’
On his part, Adewole reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. ’We are here as a testament to the partnership we have enjoyed with Borno state, and the hardworking Governor, with whom we have shared values towards improving the lives of people.
“Borno state was the very first partner of the Family Homes Funds, and we are delighted that the promise of delivering affordable homes to some of the most vulnerable people in our nation is being fulfilled. It is our privilege to partner with the state government under the leadership of Governor Zulum.
‘’The Family Homes Funds is unquestionably focused on its responsibility for delivering on the Government’s agenda for ensuring that millions of Nigerians living in unacceptable housing conditions not only have access to a safe, decent, and affordable home but sustainable jobs too. We look forward to the completion of the entire scheme and happy about the opportunity to expand it through the social housing programme.’’
Following the commissioning, about five families, who were previously displaced were given land certificates and title documents to immediately move into the new homes. Two months ago, 700 home, comprising 200 in Chibok and 500 in Yana Yaskuri were completed and handed over to previously displaced families as well, making it a total of 1,000 homes that have now been completed and handed over to beneficiaries in the state.
The scheme validates FHFL’s commitment to social housing in Nigeria, as the houses are only priced at N1.8 million. With over 11,615 homes either completed or in the process, Family Homes Funds projects in several states across the country like Delta, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and others have employed at least 64,000 workers – directly and indirectly.