The Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme has officially commenced in Calabar, following the successful acquisition and formal handover of 25 acres of land donated by the Cross River State government.

The Special Adviser to the Senate President and Contact Person to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Rt Hon. Victor Udofia, who made this disclosure at a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, commended the Cross River State government for their magnanimous donation of land and warm hospitality.

Udofia, who coordinated the high-level interface between the federal government and community stakeholders, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s avowed goal of delivering sustainable and affordable housing solutions across Nigeria.

He further commended the proactive leadership of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for ensuring the swift approval of land for the project, which he said was critical to the smooth commencement of work on site.

Udofa also commended Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for his instrumental role in facilitating the siting of the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme in Cross River state, describing the project as a reflection of Senator Ekpenyong’s responsiveness to the needs of his constituents.

He said, “The project is deeply personal to the minister because Cross River State holds a special place in his heart, having served his NYSC in the state.

“The contractors have collected their letters and mobilisation to the site is expected within the next two to three weeks, pending final fund disbursement.”

In a symbolic show of royal endorsement, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, commended Governor Otu for the swift approval of land for the project, extending his gratitude to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for attracting the federal housing project to Cross River State.

He also commended the Senate President, whom he described as his “very good friend,” for his critical role in securing the project’s siting in Calabar.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, the Federal Controller of Housing in Cross River State, Alfa Simeon, corroborated that the project has already been awarded to eight contractors.

He said, “Four will handle infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water, while the remaining four will focus on building residential units.

“The initial phase will comprise 120 housing units, including one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats, designed to be expandable at affordable rates.

“The housing units are tailored to reduce cost for civil servants and average-income earners. We’ve structured the execution into two phases, but our strategy is to complete and hand over Phase One before moving to Phase Two, to avoid abandoned projects,” Simeon stated.

Community leaders and residents expressed optimism and pledged to work closely with the federal government to ensure the project’s success.

The Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme in Calabar marks another milestone in the federal government’s effort to tackle housing deficits and boost urban development nationwide.