2nd September, 2014
By Femi Onasanya
My recent visit to the three newly constructed housing estates in Abeokuta by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in Ogun State is an eye-opener to biblical fact that a good thing can come out of Nazareth.
Ordinarily, one would think that the government had in the last three years done so much in road infrastructure, agriculture, health and employment generation, among others, that there may be no resources or willingness to delve into any other sector. But the recent strides in housing sector further proved that the present administration remains resolute in its decision to transform the entire landscape of the state.
Housing, which is one of the basic needs of man cannot be replaced with anything else as it helps fulfil physical needs by providing security and shelter from weather and climate. It fulfils psychological needs by providing a sense of personal space and privacy. It fulfils social needs by providing a gathering area and communal space for the human family, the basic unit of society. In many societies, it also fulfils economic needs by functioning as a centre for commercial production.
The human right to housing, according to the United Nations'(1948) Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 25(1), is the right of every woman, man, youth and child to acquire and sustain a secure home community in which to live in peace and dignity, among others.
The Human Rights Education Associates (HREA), an international NGO, also pointed out that the right to housing provides a foundation that increases the likelihood of the achievement of other human right.
Though we are in a clime where little cognizance is given to the housing need of man, the approach of Ogun State government to this need is laudable. These new estates which are awaiting commissioning are a big answer to the housing needs of all. Besides, the government in its wisdom chose to have interest in all classes of people, including the low income earners, middle income earners as well as the rich with the A.K.A. Degun Workers Estate, Orange Valley Field and PlainField respectively, as the estates are christened.
Apart from the aesthetic architectural designs of the structures, the manner of integrating the detachable and combined units of duplexes, two and three bedroom standalone flats as well as detachable flats; the space, spread, serenity and affordability are of class.
Good enough, interested buyers of these houses which are adjudged to be of high quality, called Ogun Standard even by Ogun State indigenes who were delegates to the just concluded National Conference, are provided various payment options including mortages which could be paid over a period of time.
In the words of the Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Seyi Adebanjo, while commenting on the A.K.A. Degun Workers Estate, which is named after the first Secretary to the State Government/Head of Service, ”anybody who knows about housing will know that the governor has done an excellent job. The provision of electricity, water, quality of the structures viz-a-viz the price, everything is already there. You just need to pack your clothes and move in.”
One thrilling revelation about government plan for the occupants of these estates as stated by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, “is the preference for people who will live here and contribute to the economy, and not those who will visit once in a while.”
Also, the on-going development of the “Three Hills” Residential Estate, Kobape, Abeokuta which includes the construction and provision of site and services of 170 hectares expanse of land residential estate with natural landscape corridor and vegetation is a commendable one that will further open up the state for business. This estate is being developed to accommodate four different plot sizes to meet individual preferences.
It is no news that the government is striving hard to replicate same in all parts of the state as it did on road construction and other feats recorded in various sectors.
However, Ogun, by its closeness to Lagos State is known to have been housing about 60 per cent of Lagos workers. Hence, the need to consolidate on this advantage by providing affordable houses for all. Governor Amosun in his usual manner will say, ”our intention is to house Lagos;clothe; and feed Lagos because the majority of its workers live here.” This, no doubt is évident in the proposed MITROS City which would be cited on 2000 hectares of land for up to 200,000 residents. This public private partnership initiative would be strategically located near Lagos, just 15km from Murtala Muhammed International Airport and it is expected to be a leading commercial, residential, industrial as well as retail, leisure and hospitable accommodation.
Also, the development of 650 hectares Agbara Industrial Estate, Agbara, which is strategically located to be less than ten minutes drive from the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry expressway being constructed by Lagos State Government and within five minutes from the jetty is a right step in the right direction. The estate is expected to accommodate both industrial and residential uses with the industrial zone occupying 450 hectares, the residential zone occupies 150 hectares, while commercial area that would accommodate shopping mall, hotel and ancillary services would also be in place.
The Abeokuta City Centre project on completion would herald the renewal of one of Nigeria’s most ancient cities and help maximise the obvious commercial and residential opportunities inherent in Abeokuta’s proximity to Lagos.
Ogun State New Government City proposed to be on 6400 hectares which is for low density residential and associated development is to create an attractive, safe and well designed housing estate for medium to high income earners in which the residents can live, work and play.
These efforts in the area of housing would no doubt help in further boosting the economy of the Gateway State which is today the industrial capital of the nation as a result of the aggressive on-going modernization process being put in place to improve human lives and serve as testimonial to the display of dividends of democracy.
•Onasanya wrote from Abeokuta via [email protected](08036170135)