Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu Names Newly Commissioned 492-Flat Housing Estate in Igando After Jakande
Peterclaver Egbochue
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commissioned the 492-Flat Housing Estate situated at Igando, a suburb in Alimosho area of the state and named it after the first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande. The commissioning ceremony was part of the activities to commemorate the Governor’s 100 days in office.
Recall that the project started in 2012 under the Home Ownership Scheme of the administration of ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola but was abandoned for four years during the immediate past administration of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.
But upon assumption of office, Mr Sanwo-Olu, in keeping with his campaign promises to complete all critical projects initiated by the previous administrations, completed the project to ensure that the resources already expended on the laudable initiative of Fashola’s administration was put into good use.
Speaking at the event, Mr Sanwo-Olu said, “Today, history is being made as we commission a housing estate named after an icon, a role model and the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande. Among his many sterling achievements, Alhaji Jakande’s indelible legacy in the provision of mass housing in Lagos still remains our guiding light.
“It is instructive to note that the completion and the official commissioning of Lateef Kayode Jakande Garden Estate in Igando today is a testimony to our resolve to deliver on the pledge to complete all critical projects inherited from the last administration.
“I am excited today because, within 100 days, this is the third time I am coming to this facility to ensure it is delivered and put into use. With the completion of the Estate, we have prevented the government’s resources from being wasted.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that the deficit faced by the state in housing was real, stating that there was a compelling need for his administration to adopt a housing model that would harness limited space for delivery of safe homes for the teeming population.
His words, “One of the key strategies we will embrace is a global housing policy in which people can become homeowners through an inclusive and convenient financing system based on their incomes. This policy, along with the outright purchase of houses built by the government, will support a sustainable system in which homes are consistently made available to a larger number of our people.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu further stated that for the State to turn around its deficit and attain 21st Century economy the government would explore innovation and partnership with private investors to bridge the housing deficit and urged the beneficiaries of the scheme to protect the facility and maintain its environmental aesthetics.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai disclosed that the Government would deliver additional 1,250 homes in different locations in the state within the next six months.
“Today’s inauguration of Jakande Garden Estate is the beginning of other housing projects coming. With a sense of determination and unequivocal commitment to serve the public cause, we will like to assure Lagosians that, in the next six months, we shall work hard through proper planning and judicious execution to conclude the ongoing housing schemes in Igbogbo, Sangotedo, Iponri, Gbagada and Omole. This will add a total of 1,250 homes to the existing figure.”
Akinderu-Fatai further stated that the Sanwo-Olu government was determined to deliver livable accommodation with modern infrastructure in line with Smart City programme of the State, reiterating that Sanwo-Olu’s administration would continue to promote urban harmony and set new standards for property development.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the state including Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife, leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Governor’s Advisory Council Members, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Alhaji Mutiu Are and a host of others.