Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has flagged off the construction of 1,200 housing units under the Federal Housing Authority Renewed Hope Housing Scheme in Umuahia, making Abia one of the earliest states in the country and the first in the South-East, to participate in the programme.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday along the Ubani–Uzuakoli Road, attracted top government officials and stakeholders. Otti commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the initiative, describing it as a key intervention aimed at addressing the state’s housing deficit.
The project, jointly executed by the Federal Government and Abia State Government, is expected to improve access to affordable housing while stimulating urban expansion in the state capital.
Governor Otti recalled that discussions with the Federal Housing Authority began in 2024 when the agency requested land for the scheme.
“When they came, they asked for land, and I said, consider it done. We didn’t expect it would move this fast,” the governor said.
He reiterated that his administration remains committed to people-centred governance, stressing that development efforts must transcend politics, ethnicity, and religion.
“All those are distractions. What matters is the welfare of our people, and that is what we will remain focused on,” he declared.
Otti further disclosed that over 800 of about 900 verified landowners have already received full compensation for the 100 hectares acquired for the project.
He urged those still awaiting resolution of issues to regularise their documentation and collect their payments.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, explained that Umuahia was chosen as the South-East pilot location due to the state government’s cooperation and preparedness.
“We are not just building houses; we are creating a model environment that will be the pride of Abians,” he said.
Ojo also applauded Otti’s leadership, noting visible progress in infrastructure development and urban renewal, particularly in Aba.
Stakeholders at the ceremony, including federal lawmaker Obi Aguocha and other dignitaries, described the project as long overdue, noting that it had been stalled for about 18 years before being revived under the current administration.
They commended the synergy between the federal and state governments, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to people-oriented development.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Abia State, Ukeje Ukpabi, described the flag-off as a significant milestone in the state’s growth trajectory.
He praised the governor’s vision and commitment to transforming Abia into a hub for infrastructure development, as well as the Federal Housing Authority’s partnership, noting that the collaboration reflects the benefits of aligning federal support with purposeful state leadership.
Ukpabi said the housing scheme signals the beginning of a new phase of affordable housing delivery in the state, and prayed for sustained progress in Abia and Nigeria at large.
The estate is expected to stimulate economic activities, open up the Ubani–Uzuakoli corridor, and provide decent housing for residents as construction work commences in earnest.
