Acting Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited, Sani Yakubu, has reaffirmed the agency’s unflinching commitment to the cause of providing social housing to Nigerians, even in the face of economic headwinds. In an exclusive interview with Housing Development, he noted that Family Homes Funds Limited has stayed focused on its mandate, a development which, according to him, has led to landmark achievements in the effort to expand access to housing for everyday Nigerians.
In his words, “Housing is one of the most important needs for all Nigerians, as far as you look at the environment, the number of people who desire good, decent [and] affordable housing.” For an agency that has been in existence for only four years, the Acting Managing Director said Family Homes Funds has established a foothold in twelve states, delivering fourteen to fifteen thousand small houses across the country, particularly for those who till now had no opportunity to access housing, as well as for others who have had a critical need.
The Acting MD noted that over eighty thousand jobs have been created in twelve states, assuring that the agency will continue to work with states in its desire to make more impact. He said Family Homes has built a culture of value addition which, he stated, as being the factor that drives the organisation.
In terms of support from various states, Mr. Yakubu said Family Homes Funds has benefited from lands, waivers and the needed encouragement to deliver houses to Nigerians who are in dire need of housing. He noted, “Though we operate in a difficult environment, the global economy is tough, and so all economies at this point in time are also dealing with great challenges. We are determined to continue to expand [and] to continue to create this impact. Housing is a critical need for all people and, indeed, it is for all Nigerians. Many need a more decent place to live in. The federal government set up Family Homes Funds to be able to achieve justice. In the time in which we’ve worked so far – four years – the results are there to show, and we would want to say we are ever determined to do much more, much better.”