Wale Jagun
Popular Yoruba actress, Alhaja Lanre Hassan, popularly called, “Mama Awero”, on Wednesday, March 25, 2021, got a surprise gift from the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The veteran actress, who was on the verge of being ejected from her rented apartment, was presented with the key to a new three bedroom apartment in the 360 units Lagoshoms Phase 2 scheme in Igbogbo, which was completed and commissioned by the Governor.
At the commissioning event of the housing scheme were government functionaries, political leaders, traditional rulers in Ikorodu division among others.
The Governor renamed the housing scheme after the former Deputy Governor of the State and All Progressives Congress (APC) apex leader in Ikorodu, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye.
The scheme, which is sited on 6.24 hectares of land, was conceived in 2012 under the administration of the ex – governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN.
It has 10 blocks and each of the blocks has 120 units of one-bedroom flat, 120 units of two-bedroom flat and 120 units of three -bedrooms apartments.
The project is bordering Oba Adeboruwa Housing Estate, which is the first phase of the housing scheme.
“I am elated to be commissioning another housing project in Igbogbo, one of many delivered by this administration”, he said.
“Against all odds, our vision for a revamped housing sector has moved from the drawing table to the level of implementation and delivery.
“The completion and commissioning of this estate, comprising 360 units, is a promise kept and sends a strong message about our determination to make Lagos a 21st century economy.
“This housing scheme symbolises our unwavering commitment to the Greater Lagos Project, and our determination to build and deliver modern homes so that irrespective of social or economic class, all Lagosians can enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance.
“We will continue to bridge the housing deficit by providing decent and affordable houses for the people.”
The Governor said that his administration recognises that provision of decent housing is a crucial component of sustainable development, which is why housing schemes are being funded through direct budgetary allocations, as well as public-private-partnerships, adding that the financing model has yielded remarkable results.
He said that the State Government had started to prepare for a population surge that would accompany the opening of the project, disclosing that the State had activated the revamping of socio-economic infrastructure on the axis.
He added that the rehabilitation of Government-owned schools was being escalated to cater for additional students’ population.
“We are doing extensive road infrastructure in Igbogbo and we are extending another road from Ibeshe, which will be commissioned next month.
“The Baiyeku road needs to be fixed and we will look at it once we are able to push the ongoing Igbogbo road project to a significant progress”, he said.
And in what could be described as the highlight of the commissioning event, Governor Sanwo-Olu gifted three-bedroom apartments to two members of the State’s teaching staff honoured with national education awards for their quality services.
The lucky house owners are the Principal of Government Junior College in Ketu, Epe, Mr. Dunni Ikuseyi (Principal of the Year) and recipient of Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Elusakin of Oriwu Model College.
According to the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the housing project was the seventh scheme to be completed and inaugurated by the Sanwo-Olu administration, adding that the housing projects cater for the high net individuals and low-income earners.
“As can be seen, the scheme is completed with modern infrastructure that will enhance decent living.
“Apart from other intrinsic benefits that come with this scheme, we are glad to say that it will definitely change the statistics of housing deficit in Lagos and stem the usual drift to city centre.
“Our joy is only complete when more people, particularly the low- and medium-income earners, become home owners.
“In line with present realities, the convenient mortgage system fostered through our Rent-To-Own scheme will be utilised to a large extent in delivering the homes to the end users.”
Meanwhile, Mama Awero, in an emotion-laden voice, expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing the gesture as an “unexpected gift”.
“Anyone who is compassionate to offer his fellow human a comfortable shelter such as this, deserves nothing but prayers”, she said
“I am short of words. Governor Sanwo-Olu, you have put smiles on my face in my moment of despair, may Allah support you and your Deputy,”
Some of the comfort features of the housing estate include expansive car parks, streetlights, water reticulation plant.
