Succour for low income earners

• Massive housing delivery underway in Ogun

From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

Back in 2019, the Ogun State Government set a target of 10,000 housing units that would cut across low, medium and premium income earners. Governor Dapo Abiodun turned the sod at the Kobape Housing Scheme, Abeokuta, specifically to provide affordable but quality housing for the low-income earners in the state.

It became the flagship of affordable housing in the state. The Kobape scheme, christened Prince Court Estate, was soon replicated in Kemta, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro. Other housing projects for the medium income earners and luxury duplexes for the high net worth individuals were also embarked upon.

At the Ibara GRA Regeneration Cluster 1, Abeokuta, no fewer than 30 duplexes were completed, while 100 luxury duplexes were equally completed at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate in 2025. Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, however, hinted that government would embark on massive housing projects this year.

He said: “We’re building 2,500 affordable housing units for low-income earners, starting with 579 units in the first phase. We’ve secured the land, and we’ll break ground before the end of the month. It’s a collaboration between the Ministry of Housing, housing corporation and Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC). We’ll work together to deliver this project quickly.

“By May or June, you’ll see the first phase completed, and we’ll move on to the next phase. Time is of the essence, and we’re committed to delivering more. We’re also working on the Lagos Road project, with plans for low-income and serviced schemes. It’s going to be a game-changer.

“The ministry will commence construction of key legacy projects including an International Conference Centre at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo;  a 2,500 seater-capacity Banquet Hall/Centre; the Appeal Court Headquarters and residences; Ibara GRA Phase 2 comprising 50 duplexes;  Commissioners’ Quarters; Appointees’ Quarters;  Assembly Quarters, among others in the new year.

“Government aims to complete over 10,000 affordable homes by the end of the administration, having already delivered more units than all previous administrations combined. We will advance flagship housing developments across strategic locations, including Prince Courts Estate at Siun along Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway; ISEYA Court, Oke-Mosan; Havila Court, Ibara and Havens Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, alongside the continued Regeneration Scheme of Ibara GRA through Phase II.

“These initiatives are firmly aligned with the 2026 Budget of Sustainable Legacy. Today, housing delivery in the state transcends the provision of shelter. It is about dignity, functionality, sustainability, urban renewal, and inclusive economic growth.

“Through coherent policies, disciplined execution, and strategic partnerships, the sector has delivered developments that meet international standards while staying responsive to local realities, contributing meaningfully to job creation, wealth generation and the overall Gross Domestic Product of the State.

“We closed 2025 on a strong and reassuring note with the successful delivery of an additional 30 units of duplexes at the Ibara GRA Cluster 1 Extension and another 100 duplexes at Buhari Estate. This achievement reflects the consistency, planning integrity, and institutional capacity of the housing sector.

“Significantly, the overwhelming response from subscribers within the state and from Nigerians in the diaspora, coupled with the invaluable support of our traditional rulers, community leaders and well-meaning residents, continues to strengthen our resolve to broaden access to affordable, quality housing across the state. The Ibara GRA Urban Regeneration Project has restored dignity to a previously neglected location, with the over 150 modern housing units constructed so far.”