Gov Otti performs groundbreaking ceremony of Federal Housing Authority Renewed Hope Estate in Umuahia

The Governor, Dr Alex Otti has performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Federal Housing Authority Renewed Hope Estate,in Umuahia North Local government area with an assurance of expanding access to affordable and decent housing for all.

Speaking while performing the groundbreaking ceremony along Umuahia -Umuire Ohuhu road,Governor Otti disclosed that the ongoing collaboration with the Federal Housing Authority began in 2024 , pointing out that the choice of the location in Umuahia was informed by increasing housing pressure in the capital city which he said was driven by a surge in returnees and investors.

Governor Otti while speaking on the land acquisition,clarified that compensation has been paid directly to families and individuals rather than communities, noting that over 800 out of 900 claimants have been fully settled except those with multiple claimants or bank issues.

The Governor who emphasised that his administration does not commence projects without first resolving compensation issues, urged the 100 remaining individuals yet to be paid to resolve issues with their bank accounts, as funds have already been set aside for all genuine and verified claimants.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority Mr Oyetunde Ojo, in his remarks, commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, commitment to development and willingness to collaborate across political party lines for the benefit of the people.

He equally applauded the Governor for providing 100 hectares of land for the project, settling compensation, promise to follow up for the realization of the project, adding that such proactive support reflects genuine dedication to the welfare of Abians.

In their goodwill messages, the member representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia federal Constituency Chief Obi Aguocha and the federal Commissioner representing Abia at the Federal Character Commission Chief Victor Ikeji noted that Governor Otti has so far secured his second term in office through purposeful leadership and many people -oriented projects, adding that NdiAbia will have no other choice but to return the Governor to continue his services to humanity.

In their speeches, the Commissioner for Lands Mr Chaka Chukwumerije and his Housing Counterpart Mr Uzoije said that the flag off of the project 18 years after it was proposed is a clear demonstration between the state and federal governments in all matters relating to the welfare and development of the state and appreciated the host Communities of Umuawa Alaocha,Umuire Ohuhu,Umuda Ohuhu,Atta Ibeku and Emede Ibeku for making available their lands for the project,

In their remarks, The deputy Speaker Abia House of Assembly Chief Augustine Nmeregini and the Mayor Umuahia North Local government area,Chief Smart Iheoma commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti for the timely approval of the project in Umuahia, and for inspiring hope among the people through purposeful leadership, assuring the support of the legislative arm towards the timely completion of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the 5 President Generals of land donor Communities Chief Ugochukwu Ibe while expressing gratitude to God for being alive to witness the project, thanked the Federal and State governments for their intervention towards addressing the housing deficit across the state.

Our government House correspondent Ezechukwu Adimoha reports that the project, which is a collaboration between the State Government and the Federal Ministry of Housing, sits on a 100-hectare parcel of land provided by the state and is expected to deliver 1,200 housing units tailored to low, medium and high income earners and was attended by the deputy Governor Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, and host of other notable Nigerians.