The Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has handed over six-acre Mechanic Village/Market in FESTAC Town to artisans.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that while speaking during the handing-over ceremony to the Nigerian Automobile Technician Association, Ashafa said the event was in line with his promise to restore the lost glory of FESTAC town.

Ashafa said, “Let me quickly add that the place of mechanics, technicians, and artisans can never be underestimated in any society. Their overall importance in any economy is not of low profile because of the essential nature of their trade.

“The value chain they add to the economy is quite enormous, owing to the many jobs and employment they create through service delivery. We in FHA will do all we can within our reach to make you comfortable, relevant and organised.”

He declared that it had become illegal for any auto mechanic to operate in any other part of FESTAC Town.

Ashafa said, “We also implore the auto mechanic/technician leadership to help relevant authorities concerned with the security and sanitation of FESTAC Town by compelling all your members to avail themselves of this facility.”

Ashafa pledged continuous collaboration of FHA with the artisans and other stakeholders and thanked the FESTAC Town Residents Association, security agencies and other stakeholders for their patience.

He said that the FHA would liaise with the Amuwo Odofin Local Government and other stakeholders towards Right of Way recovery.

Ashafa added that FHA surveyors had taken the measurements of the site for laying the beacons on the new site.

The Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, said the move would bring added development, not only to FESTAC Town but to the entire community.