Abiodun Ogundipe, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated his administration’s commitment to increase the total housing stock in the State by 3,004 units with the completion and delivery of additional seven housing schemes, comprising 2,268 units by the end of this year.

Speaking during 2020 World Habitat Day held on Monday at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said his administration is committed to the full implementation of the rent-to-own policy aimed at achieving the objective of making housing affordable and accessible to low income Lagosians.

He disclosed that within the last 16 months, the present administration has completed and commissioned a number of housing schemes including Lateef Kayode Housing Estate, Igando, Courtland Villas, Lekki and Lekki Apartments, Ikate Elegushi.

The Governor added that 303 Lagosians have become homeowners in Oba Adeboruwa, Lateef Jakande and Epe Housing Schemes under the policy.

The governor stated that despite the dwindling resources which has assumed a global dimension as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration remains resolutely committed to making befitting accommodation available to Lagosians through pragmatic models that will incorporate private sector partnership and encourage local contents while also cutting costs and creating employment.

While urging Lagosians to take full advantage of the grand opportunities provided by the housing programme of the state government, Governor Sanwo-Olu said steps have been taken to remove bottlenecks associated with housing delivery in the State by embracing the mortgage option to home ownership.

“I seek the cooperation of all Lagosians towards the achievement of the Lagos of our dreams, a livable and sustainable city where everyone fulfills their legitimate aspirations irrespective of class, race or creed,” he said.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s World Habitat Day celebration, ‘Housing For All: A Better Urban Future’, the governor said, “The thrust of this year’s celebration is a major policy objective of the fourth pillar of our administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda i.e Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.

The current and projected future population of our State presents huge opportunities for investors in the housing sector and a compelling need for urban renewal.”