FHA Boss, Ojo Visits Chief Of Defence Staff

-Seeks Collaboration To Provide Adequate Housing For Military Personnel

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority, Hon Oyetunde Ojo has sought the support of the Nigerian military in the realization of the agency’s bid to provide proper and adequate housing for the military personnel.

Hon Ojo, who as part of his efforts to ensure good collaboration with the Nigerian military paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) , Gen. C G Musa in his office, where he also used the opportunity to condole the CGS over the sad incident which claimed lives of some soldiers in Delta State.

Addressing Gen Musa, the MD thanked him for the sacrifices the military personnel is making in protecting both the external and internal Integrity of the country.

He told the CGS that the main purpose of the visit was to work for the provision of quality and affordable houses for the personnel of the Armed Forces in view of the crucial role and sacrifices they make.

“We deem it fit that with what your men and women of the Nigeria Armed Forces are doing in this country, you deserve more than just having shelter, you deserve having affordable shelter, you deserve giving qualitative shelter.”

The MD noted that morale of the military personnel would be boosted once they are aware that their families are well protected in case of injuries, casualties or retirement by having roofs over their heads.

This, he said is the reason why the Authority has come to seek for partnership with the Armed Forces for off takers.

Hon Ojo stressed the need for profiled off takers because the houses to be built are targeted at individuals.

He said: As we start building, we are not going to give it to animals and goats, we are going to give it to human beings like you and I and that is why we have decided that our port of call in terms of off takers of this administration will be the Nigeria Armed Forces because of the critical role you are playing”

FHA Boss informed the CGS of the various house types and delivery models that Authority has adopted to satisfy all Cadre and strata of Nigerians.

He noted such model as carcas; where the exterior, electrical and plumbing would be done, one Bedroom and Studio formats would be targeted at junior and younger officers, while the senior officers could go for the finished ones.

In his response, the CGS, Gen CG Musa, acknowledged the importance of Housing for men of the Armed Forces because of mobile nature of their job especially during their retirement.

He appreciated the cost effective approach of management and laid emphasis on the quality in the case of Mass Housing.

He also expressed interest in the building of comprehensive estates that would have such facilities as hospitals and recreational areas where the personnel can train and dissipate energy.

The Army chief said the military Engineers would have to liaise with FHA in materializing this laudable initiative.

The Chief of Logistics in his submission welcomed the initiative as an opportunity the military has been looking up to.

He acknowledged the existence of other government schemes which he said are difficult for the personnel to access.

He therefore called to know how soon the scheme would take off and the various payment modes and the availability of mortgage facilities.