Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the construction of the 250 Renewed Hope Housing Estate project in Damaturu, the state capital. This commendation was made during the groundbreaking ceremony held along Gashu’a Road in Damaturu.
Governor Buni highlighted that the construction of these houses in Yobe State and across the country underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of Nigerians. He expressed profound gratitude to the President for tackling the housing deficit and providing decent accommodation, especially in states like Yobe that have suffered significant losses due to prolonged security challenges.
“I am immensely grateful to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his dedication to addressing the housing deficit and providing Nigerians with decent living conditions,” Buni said. “This initiative is particularly crucial for Yobe, which has been heavily impacted by security issues.”
The governor also extended his appreciation to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development for including Yobe State in the first phase of this ambitious program. “I have been closely following your activities and am pleased to see your commitment to achieving your goals,” he remarked.
During the ceremony, Governor Buni proposed that the Federal Government sell the 208 housing units previously constructed in Damaturu to the state government at a 50 percent discount. This would enable the state to allocate these houses to victims of insurgency on an owner-occupier basis.
“It may interest the Honourable Minister and this gathering to know that we are planning the construction of a Green Economic City. This project aims to integrate residential and commercial areas sustainably, elevating Damaturu to a modern city status,” Buni announced.
The governor emphasized the importance of patronizing local contractors, building material dealers, and artisans to foster employment opportunities and stimulate the local economy. He highlighted the state’s deliberate policy of supporting local businesses, including the state-owned Sahel Aluminum Company for roofing supplies.
“I appeal to the Honourable Minister to prioritize our local contractors, building materials merchants, and artisans. This will not only support our local economy but also give our people a sense of ownership and involvement in the Renewed Hope agenda,” Governor Buni stated.
He urged the contractors to ensure the projects are executed with high quality to provide lasting value and benefit to the people of Yobe State. Buni also called on the residents of Yobe to extend their renowned hospitality and cooperation to the contractors to facilitate the timely and successful completion of the project.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, represented by the State Minister, Engr. Abdullahi T. Gwarzo, detailed the project’s scope, which includes 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
“These units are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for expansion as homeowners’ financial conditions improve, ensuring long-term suitability and affordability,” Dangiwa explained.
