Prominent Stakeholders in the Housing Sector led by the President of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, Aliyu Wamako, have called on the Federal and State governments to increase funding for the housing sector in order to launch a new era of affordable homes development in Nigeria.
They made this call during the groundbreaking ceremony of flagship green development project, Oakville Homes being developed by a unique developer, Greenland Concepts Nigeria Limited at Karshi, Karu Local Government area of Nasarawa State.
Delivering the chairman’s opening remarks, President of REDAN, Aliyu Wamako said for developers to speedily deliver more affordable houses, the government at all levels must ensure improved funding for the housing sector while localisation of building materials has to be prioritised.
He also called for an increase in support for female developers while commending the MD/CEO of Greenland Concepts Nigeria Limited, Barr. Kemi Olomola-Sijuwade for her contributions towards housing development in the country.
While the MD/CEO of Family Homes Funds pledged more support for well meaning developers, he also said the government through finance institutions like the FHFL will continue to do more to ensure that more affordable homes are built for the benefit of Nigerians.
Also speaking, Barrister Festus Adebayo, Coordinator of the Abuja International Housing Show said Nigeria can only say it is recording progress in the sector when the government begins to unveil pyramids of houses as it is doing for rice in the agricultural sector.
He added that the Central Bank of Nigeria needs to also devise strategic ways to boost housing finance in order to help Developers build more houses across the country to reduce the nation’s housing deficit.
Executive Director, ASO Savings and Loans Plc, Enesi Makoju who represented the Managing Director/CEO, Risikatu Ladi Ahmed commended the management of Greenland Concepts Nigeria Limited for pulling a crowd of high caliber housing personalities stating that the bank is always ready to support great developers.
He said the Oakville Homes initiative would contribute to delivery of affordable houses and housing development in Nigeria.
Arc. Moradeke Okunrinboye who also spoke on the issue of funding said the major issue is in the affordability of building materials which must be addressed by the implementation of local content. She applauded the giant step being taken by female developers like Barr. Kemi Olomola-Sijuwade emphasising that reducing the housing deficit in Nigeria starts with building houses from small to large quantities.
According to the developer, Barr. Kemi Olomola-Sijuwade, the location of Oakville Homes is dynamic with existing infrastructure such as good roads and proximity to notable educational institutions like Loyola Jesuit College and Ave Maria University. Also, the ongoing Apo Resettlement link road and the proposed connection to Guzape road would ensure ease of accessibility to Abuja city centre when it is fully completed.
The development is only about 3 minutes’ drive from the Navy Estate Junction along Nyanya- Karshi Road. Hence, security is assured at Oakville Homes. All these factors and features also guarantee that the value of the development would keep appreciating. This would be of special interest to those who intend to purchase for investment purposes.
She also said the payment for the homes has been made flexible with the provision of a bouquet of convenient payment options: from outright payment of the entire purchase price and mortgage options.
Olomola-Sijuwade stated that Oakville Homes is designed to be an ambient community with just 20 elegant units. The architectural design is modern and combines aesthetics with functionality. Each housing unit, according to her, is designed with the family in mind; with parking space for two (2) vehicles and enough lawn area for family evening relaxation with the homes being well designed to be highly energy efficient.
Meanwhile, the project would have other amenities including a shopping centre where residents can buy basic needs within the community and a green play area for children and leisure. There is also a bespoke facility management office within for the day-to-day management of the Estate. Residents should expect efficient maintenance services that are prompt.
Oakville Homes project also represents a distinctive development which is a culmination of quality, serene, secured and environmentally friendly community to meet the needs of its discerning customers.
Highpoint of the event was the epic laying of foundational blocks with cements and release of colourful balloons symbolising the groundbreaking of Oakville Homes led by the President of REDAN, Aliyu Wamako alongside other high profile guests including, Mr. Femi Adewole, Managing Director/CEO of Family Homes Fund Limited, Barr Olaitan Komolafe, Director on the Board of Greenland Concepts Nigeria Limited; Barr Festus Adebayo, Coordinator of Abuja International Housing Show; Arc. Moradeke Okunrinboye, Honorary General Secretary at Nigerian Institute of Architects; Executive Director, ASO Savings and Loans Plc, Enesi Makoju who represented the Managing Director/CEO, Risikatu Ladi Ahmed; and the heroine herself, Barr. ‘Kemi Olomola-Sijuwade, Founder and Director, Greenland Concepts Nigeria Limited.