•Governor delivers 24th housing scheme in 6 years
•More housing project to be completed in Epe, Ibeshe, Eti-Osa
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, commissioned the 24th housing scheme delivered in the life of his administration.
The Governor inaugurated 420-unit modern housing scheme in Lagos State Housing Estate, Ajara, Badagry division. The project, which was the first phase of the entire development, comprised 35 blocks of 12-in-1 residential buildings.
Each building contains a combination of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom semi-furnished apartments with complimentary facilities, including kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, and wardrobes.
The project was conceived by the administration of then Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who proposed the development for low- and middle-income earners living on the western flank of the State. The development was stalled over lingering tussle in the host community.
Sanwo-Olu revived the project, directing the Ministry of Housing to resolve the issues associated with the scheme and accelerate its completion.
At the commissioning, the Governor also flagged off the second phase of the scheme, which will comprise over 800 units of apartments in high-rise blocks.
Sanwo-Olu named the completed 420-unit homes after the former Head of Service (HOS) and apex political leader in Badagry, the late Sunny Akinsanya Ajose.
The Governor described the project as “a major milestone” in his administration’s effort to creating a Greater Lagos where people would live in dignity and work productively to contribute to the State’s economy.
Sanwo-Olu, visibly delighted by the outcome of the project, thanked Badagry residents for their support throughout the course of work on the scheme.
He said: “Like every corner of our State, Badagry has reaped the benefits of targeted investments in road infrastructure, public hospitals, schools, and other vital facilities. These initiatives have opened up this historic town to the world, positioning it as a rising hotspot for eco-tourism, culture, and commerce.
“Today, we are excited to launch the Phase 1 of the Ajara Housing Scheme, which comprises 420 housing units that are now fully completed and ready for residents. This commissioning marks the opening of the 24th housing estate brought to life by our administration, which is a major milestone on our path to creating a Greater Lagos.”
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the inaugurated scheme created over 2,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the course of its construction. The Governor promised that more jobs would be generated from managing the facilities and other estate services when occupied.
He said his Government, in the past six years, had successfully added over 10,000 homes to Lagos housing market, which were dedicated for people across all income levels throughout the five divisions of the State.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to closing the housing gap, stressing that the focus was on leveraging smart infrastructure investments that would push development beyond the city centre.
Sanwo-Olu said: “We are also working to complete four additional housing schemes across the State, which are at various stages of completion. We will be completing the Phase 2 of Lagos State Housing Estate in Ibeshe, and also the Phase 2 of Egan–Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, Clusters 2 and 3. The 112-unit Epe Housing Scheme in Ita Marun will be completed, while the 524-unit Phase 2 of the LagosHOMS in Sangotedo, Eti-Osa will also be ready.
“We take pride in aligning our efforts with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, aiming to provide affordable and sustainable homes for our citizens. We are also in talks with financing organisations eager to partner with Lagos in delivering mass housing and introduce innovative solutions that will make home ownership more attainable and accessible.”
Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Maruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the event marked a new chapter in the State’s journey towards increasing the quantum of modern, affordable, and sustainable housing for its residents.
He said the proposed second phase of the project would consist of high-rise buildings on seven floors, with all modern amenities.
The move, he said, is to further maximise limited land available for the project, by expanding vertically to accommodate more housing units.