President Muhammadu Buhari presented keys to some new homeowners at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Zuba, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The president presented the keys shortly after inaugurating the housing estate on Tuesday, which covers 18.5 hectares of land, consisting of 748 units of various house types in 75 blocks at Zuba, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“I convey my hearty congratulations to the new homeowners in this estate. Our promise of change has been fulfilled for you,” stated Mr Buhari and urged residents of the estate to consciously work together with the FHA to ensure the property’s maintenance and the environment’s safety.

While commending the FHA on the successful completion of the estate, the president noted that the project was another testament to his regime’s commitment to lift people out of poverty.

“‘Housing supply is one of the indices of multi-dimensional poverty that challenges our people, and the completion of this estate provides a solution for the beneficiaries,” the president explained. “The new homeowners who benefit from this estate have taken a step up on the ladder of prosperity and away from poverty.”

Mr Buhari, who acknowledged that more Nigerians are waiting to benefit from the mass housing project, urged the management of FHA not to relent in delivering other projects at various stages of construction and development across the states.

“One of the measures that we have consciously deployed to attack poverty, create prosperity and develop our economy is the aggressive provision of infrastructure nationwide,” he said.

He noted that such investments also create employment opportunities for artisans and other skilled members of society.

Works and housing minister Babatunde Fashola said, “Instead of abandoned projects, we now have 748 completed housing units for Nigerians and their families to shelter.”

He revealed that 75 contractors were engaged during the project, while over 13,000 Nigerians were employed directly and indirectly.

(NAN)