- Obong of Calabar hails Governor Bassey Otu, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Federal Government’s has officially flagged off the Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme in Calabar, Cross River State.
This follows the successful acquisition and formal handover of 25 acres of land donated by the Cross River State Government in Adiabo.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, Special Adviser to the President of the Senate and Contact Person to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Rt Hon. Victor Udofia, expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for their magnanimous donation of land and warm hospitality.
In his words, “This project aligns with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at delivering sustainable and affordable housing solutions across Nigeria.
“I commend the proactive leadership of the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for ensuring the swift approval of land for the project, which he said was critical to the smooth commencement of work on site.
“I also thank Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for his instrumental role in facilitating the siting of the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme in Cross River State.
“The project is also a monumental stride in development and a reflection of Senator Ekpenyong’s responsiveness to the needs of his constituents”, he said.
Udofia emphasized that contractors have been awarded their letters and mobilization to the site is expected within the next two to three weeks, pending final fund disbursement.
In a symbolic show of royal endorsement, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V thanked the Governor for the swift approval of land for the project.
The Obong further extended his gratitude to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for attracting the federal housing project to Cross River State as well as the President of the Senate, whom he described as his “very good friend,” for his critical role in securing the project’s siting in Calabar.
Federal Controller of Housing in Cross River State, Alfa Simeon, who represented the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, said the project has already been awarded to eight contractors.
“Four will handle infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water, while the remaining four will focus on building residential units. The initial phase will comprise 120 housing units, including one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats, designed to be expandable at affordable rates.
“The housing units are tailored to reduce cost for civil servants and average-income earners. We’ve structured the execution into two phases, but our strategy is to complete and hand over Phase One before moving to Phase Two, to avoid abandoned projects,” Simeon stated.
The Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme in Calabar marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s effort to tackle housing deficits and boost urban development nationwide.