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FG begins construction of 20,000 affordable mass housing project in Lagos

Published

3 months ago

February 15, 2024

FG begins construction of 20,000 affordable mass housing project in Lagos

The federal government has announced the launching of renewed hope cities and real estate projects which constitute about 20,000 affordable mass housing in Lagos State.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu recently launched Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Scheme which aims to provide 100,000 affordable mass decent housing units to Nigerians nationwide.

Dr. Markus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, made the announcement while conducting an inspection of ongoing housing projects and government land suitable for additional construction under the scheme.

Ogunbiyi, alongside Mrs. Margaret Adejobi, the Federal Controller of Housing for Lagos State, and other key directors, later visited Eric Moore to inspect an ongoing project featuring 60 flats, including both two and three-bedroom units.

The team which includes the Head of PPP Unit of the ministry, Abimbola Asein, later inspected land within Games Village in Eric Moore and land at the Iponri area.

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“Last week we had a groundbreaking in Abuja by Mr President on our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates. So this is a consolidating visit to Lagos to consolidate on that particular achievement.
“The challenge we have in Lagos is land and that is why I am here. We will use all available land to make sure that we have enough housing units under the first phase in Lagos,” Ogunbiyi said.

He said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development was undertaking the project under a Public-Private Partnership, saying that the target was 100,000 housing units nationwide with Lagos State having over 20,000.

Backstory

Earlier, Nairametrics reported that President Bola Tinubu launched a Renewed Hope housing project starting with a 3,112 housing unit project in Karsana District, Phase 3, Federal Capital Territory.
The Initiative aims to deliver 1,000 housing units in each of the 36 States and 4,000 units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During the event, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development disclosed the Federal Government’s ambitious plan to bridge the housing gap in the country by providing 5.5 million housing units nationwide over the next 10 years.
Implementation of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme will involve collaboration among the Federal Mortgage Bank, Federal Housing Authority, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Musa Dangiwa, earlier issued Land Allocation Requests to all states, urging a minimum of 50 hectares of land in close proximity to the respective state capitals.

FG begins construction of 20,000 affordable mass housing project in Lagos

metro

Gunmen attack Cross River community, five killed, women raped

Published

1 hour ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Irene Ugbo, Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer

Gunmen attack Cross River community, five killed, women raped

Gunmen have attacked Mbiaong Ukwa Community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State, unleashing unspeakable terror and violence on its inhabitants.

At least five elderly persons were killed and houses destroyed when the armed men who reportedly donned military fatigues attacked the enclave

The armed invaders were said to have come from the distant Isu community in Ihechiowa Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to locals privy to the incident, the intruders kidnapped a number of young men who resisted them.

A community leader of Ukwa Ibom-Efik Eburutu, Chief Okon Odiong Ekpenyong Esu confirmed the attack to newsmen.

He said yesterday’s invasion was not the first time, disclosing that the invaders often come to mine the limestone in their community and to grab their land.

In a statement he signed a statement released to journalists in Calabar on Sunday, Esu many people, especially children and the aged, have been killed by the assailants

“Several of our people have been killed. So many are from Mbiabong. Mostly, the aged and children who could not run have been killed, while others have been kidnapped.

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“The continuous aggression, wanton destruction of properties and killing of Mbiabong Ukwa people by the Isu Community in Abia State with the help of men in Military Uniform over the years, is one that has gone on without checks and help also seems not to be coming from anywhere to the helpless Mbiabong Ukwa people.

“They are strongly supported by the wealthy Isu leaders and other persons from Abia State in order to take over the rich limestone embedded in Mbiabong land by God.

“We don’t have a known common boundary with the Isu Community like the invaders, Isu would want people to believe. The constant killing and invasion of the Mbiabong Ukwa community to destroy properties is disguised in communal land conflict. It is a deliberate territorial land grabbing orchestrated by certain rich and wealthy people in Abia State and targeted at the limestone and other mineral resources in Mbiabong Ukwa land.

“The Saturday 11th of May, 2024 destruction of Mbiabong Ukwa by Isu Community which also saw the killing of Mr Ediong Ediong Essien and his wife, Madam Ekpitu Ediong Essien, another young boy Asuquo Ndem and many others kidnapped was made very possible because Mbiabong Ukwa in particular and the entire Ukwa Eburutu Community, in general, do not have motorable roads that people can use faster mobility to run, and no electricity for the people to charge their phones and call for help.”

According to the statement, “The masterminds of the invasion of our community are interested in the rich mineral resources of Ukwa Eburutu land. The attacks and killings have become unbearable.

“We call for help from both the Federal and Cross River State governments to avoid our total elimination by our neighbouring Igbo communities.”

According to him, the Isu people would come to Mbiabong Ukwa with arms to fish in their ponds and farm in their lands at intervals without their consent

Gunmen attack Cross River community, five killed, women raped

metro

Catholic Bishop condemns commercialization of Churches

Published

1 hour ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Bishop Mamza

Catholic Bishop condemns commercialization of Churches

During a special Mass in Yola, Bishop Mamza, also the immediate Adamawa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), lamented the growing trend of churches being established solely for commercial gain. He highlighted the pervasive desire among individuals to become general overseers and acquire private jets, attributing it to the rampant establishment of profit-driven churches.

In a candid revelation, Bishop Mamza recounted a personal encounter where a general overseer solicited him to purchase their church due to financial struggles, emphasizing the prevalent focus on material wealth rather than spiritual nourishment.

The Bishop’s remarks were made during a Mass held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Bekaji, Yola, to commemorate this year’s World Communications Sunday of the Catholic Church. Addressing the theme of the day, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart Towards a Fully Human Communication,’ Bishop Mamza emphasized the irreplaceable value of human empathy and passion in communication, asserting that artificial intelligence cannot replicate the depth of human connection.

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While acknowledging the opportunities presented by communication platforms, Bishop Mamza cautioned against the dehumanizing effects of technology, urging for a balanced approach that prioritizes genuine human interaction. He emphasized the importance of maintaining empathy and compassion in communication, essential elements that artificial intelligence cannot replicate.

In conclusion, Bishop Mamza called for a renewed focus on strengthening human communication, rooted in empathy and compassion, amidst the rapid advancement of technology. He urged individuals to prioritize authentic connections and relationships, emphasizing the intrinsic value of human touch and empathy in fostering meaningful interactions.

Catholic Bishop condemns commercialization of Churches

metro

Man given pig kidney transplant dies

Published

1 hour ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Rick Slayman

Man given pig kidney transplant dies

The recipient of the world’s first pig kidney transplant, Rick Slayman, has sadly passed away nearly two months after undergoing the groundbreaking procedure.

Massachusetts General Hospital made history in March by performing the transplant, implanting a genetically modified pig kidney into Slayman, a 62-year-old individual grappling with end-stage kidney disease.

While hailed as a significant achievement in xenotransplantation—a field exploring organ transplantation between different species—Slayman’s death was confirmed to be unrelated to the transplant, according to the hospital.

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In a statement released by his family, they expressed profound sadness at Rick’s sudden passing but found solace in his inspirational legacy.

Acknowledging the tireless efforts of the medical team, the family praised their dedication, which granted them seven precious weeks with Rick. They reflected on the cherished memories created during this time, forever in their hearts.

The pig kidney used in the transplant underwent genetic modifications to enhance compatibility with humans, including removing harmful pig genes and incorporating specific human genes. Additionally, porcine endogenous retroviruses were deactivated to eliminate potential human infection risks.

While mourning Slayman’s loss, Massachusetts General Hospital reiterated that his passing was not attributed to the transplant. They honoured Rick as a symbol of hope for countless transplant patients worldwide, expressing gratitude for his unwavering trust and contributions to advancing the field of xenotransplantation.