Why we are constructing 1,000 housing units in Agboyi-Ketu –Council Chairman

Mr Dele Oshinowo, Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, on Thursday said the council was building no fewer than 1000 housing units to reduce housing deficit in the council area.

Oshinowo made the statement during a media tour of some of the housing projects in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that the housing projects visited included Raymond Estate, Sterling Heights Estate and Greenwich Gardens.

The chairman said the housing programme was also to transform the LCDA into a modern community and rid the area of slums.

He said that one of the housing projects, Greenwich Housing Estate, had been completed and was inaugurated on Dec.15, 2023.

Osinowo said the estate, comprising 101 units of mixed has semi detached, detached and terraces.

The council chairman described the estate as “first of its kind in Nigeria by an LCDA”.

“We are about to also inaugurate other housing estates, Raymond and Sterling Heights, comprising 170 units.

“When we came on board in 2017, our concern was how to change the narrative of governance at the grassroots because, most times, people look at local government as a place where we do only empowerment.

“When we realised the deficit in the housing sector and the need to create shelter for the people, we looked at our comparative advantage as a council with mass expanse of land lying fallow, and we ventured into housing”, he said.

According to him, the council has successfully turned areas that used to be hideouts and dens of criminals into housing projects.

Oshinowo said that though the idea was conceived by his predecessors, he was able to partner with private sector and the state government to ensure delivery.

“Coming onboard, I decided to set up Property and Investment Board for the council, comprising experts and seasoned administrator in land and real estate, and we called in developers for signing of contracts.

“We have actually contributed to bridging the housing deficit in Lagos and in Nigeria.

“So, we are also about to launch another one consisting of 170 units of two bedroom apartments, four bedroom apartments, terraces, semi -detached and detached anytime soon,” he said.

Oshinowo said that the housing units were affordable and the payment had been structured and spread across the construction period.

He said that the price of the housing units ranged from N15.5 million to N18 million, saying they were affordable, considering the present cost of living in the country.

He added: “At the moment, about 80 per cent of them (houses) have been sold out because payment is flexible.

“We have in total now about 271 units and there are other ones coming up. By next month, we will launch the Greenwich Gardens Estate Phase II, comprising 248 units of two-bedroom apartments with three and four bedrooms.

“Also, the Lagos Homes, which is about 258 units,will be coming up.I want the people to key into this vision to provide shelter for the people. You do not need to know anyone if you meet the requirements.”he said.

He said the housing units were in high demand because owners could enjoy 18 hour daily supply of electricity, pipe- borne water, clean environment and other facilities.

“This crucial step has significantly addressed housing deficit, contributed to urban regeneration, and improved the overall quality of life.

“120 lock up shops have been commissioned at Greenwich Gardens totalling 227 housing units,” he added.

Oshinowo added that the Property Investment Board of the LCDA had successfully introduced and delivered 98 sites and serviced plots at Akanimodo/Ajelogo Housing Scheme.

This, he said, was done through the support of the state governor , Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, New Town Development Authority (NTDA) and Joint Venture Partner.

The chairman said that his administration had done a lot in road infrastructure, social amenities, ICT, youth development, skills acquisition, sports, healthcare, environment, education, and empowerment of the vulnerable.