The Abia State Government has begun the demolition of buildings erected without approval at the former Umuahia market, popularly known as Ogwumabiri, as part of its plan to transform the city into a modern capital. Acting through the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), the state moved in to clear the area, citing a breach of the original development plan.

Speaking on the development, UCDA General Manager, Kingsley Agomoh, explained that the land was initially allocated by the previous administration to a private investor for the construction of an event centre under a build, operate, and transfer arrangement. He revealed that instead of following the approved plan, the investor began developing residential duplexes and apartments. “The former market site was never intended for residential housing. Our vision is to create a modern city and a befitting state capital, and this requires strict adherence to approved land use,” Agomoh said.

He noted that the government had engaged the investor in discussions for over a year, offering an ex-gratia settlement that would allow the space to be repurposed for a modern transportation hub. The proposed hub, he said, would combine a bus terminal, a train station, and intercity shuttle facilities, serving as a major driver of connectivity and economic growth.

“The structures we demolished were not only unauthorized but also inconsistent with the overriding public interest. The new transportation hub will strengthen the city’s infrastructure, improve mobility, and contribute to Umuahia’s transformation into a world-class capital,” Agomoh stated.

He emphasized that the government remains committed to balancing development with fairness, but would not compromise on projects designed to serve the collective interest of residents and promote sustainable urban growth.

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Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the federal government for its efforts to ensure affordable housing for Nigerians, aligning with Abia State’s plan to launch a housing scheme, specifically targeting citizens in the diaspora.

He announced the initiation of the ‘Diaspora Village’ project, aimed at providing accessible housing for Abians abroad.

Furthermore, Governor Otti commended the FHA’s decision to engage local contractors for the project, emphasizing the importance of effective collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing housing needs.

READ ALSO: Benue State Government Partners with FHA to Provide Affordable Housing

Managing Director of the FHA, Mr. Oyetunde Ojo, reiterated the agency’s commitment to affordable housing, highlighting the critical role of shelter in people’s lives. He emphasized the necessity of involving communities in housing initiatives to ensure their cultural and individual needs are met.

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Ojo also revealed plans for a “City in a City” project, intended to provide housing solutions for the diaspora population, with a focus on digitalization to facilitate property purchases for Abia residents living abroad.

This collaborative effort between the Abia State government and the FHA reflects a concerted push towards addressing the housing deficit and ensuring housing affordability for all citizens, including those in the diaspora.

The post Abia State Government Promises Diaspora Village in Collaboration with FHA appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Otti emphasized the importance of housing, describing it as one of the three most basic needs of man. He stated that Abia State would actively participate in the proposed federal housing project in the state, noting that his administration had already identified a location for the project.

The governor also commended President Tinubu for prioritizing affordable housing for Nigerians, especially by ensuring that contractors for the housing project would be sourced from within the benefitting states. He expressed his pleasure that the Federal Housing Authority would consult with states to determine the housing needs of the people, which he believes is crucial for the success of the housing project.

READ ALSO: Abia’s first Governor, Ogbonnaya Onu, is dead

In response, Ojo highlighted housing as a key focus of President Tinubu’s administration and informed the governor of the Federal Government’s plan to acquire land and build affordable houses for Abians.

The post Abia State Governor Alex Otti Aligns State Housing Policy with President Tinubu’s Vision appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

According to a source close to the deceased who spoke to the Tribune online on Thursday, the former governor died after a brief illness in an undisclosed hospital in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Minister of Housing, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, Championing Renewed Hope Agenda on Housing, Reforms, and Reactivation of Abandoned Projects

Recall that the late 72-year-old former governor of old Abia State, during the 2023 general election, contested for the presidential flag of the All Progressive Congress (APC) but lost to Ahmed Tinubu.

The post Abia’s first Governor, Ogbonnaya Onu, is dead appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This funding is part of a larger $225 million approval aimed at advancing development initiatives.

Chaired by H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President and Group Chairman of IsDB, the bank’s 354th meeting of the Board of Executive Directors approved the financing for two key projects. These projects are intended to enhance socio-economic growth and sustainability across vital sectors.

The $125 million allocated to Nigeria is expected to significantly reduce travel times and costs on major roads, thereby improving market accessibility and social services for local residents. The project emphasizes inclusivity by prioritizing safe and accessible transport options, especially for vulnerable community segments.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Cement Companies Thrive Amid Rising Operational Costs

The IsDB also approved a $100 million investment in Malaysia’s Pengerang Energy Complex Project (PEC) under its Public-Private Partnership program. This initiative aims to establish an energy-efficient aromatics complex within the Pengerang Integrated Petrochemical Complex (PIPC) in Johor, Malaysia. The project is expected to boost Malaysia’s downstream oil and gas sector, leading to economic expansion and job creation in Johor.

In a related development, the African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors approved a $115 million loan to Abia State for a comprehensive road rehabilitation project. This project, valued at $263.80 million, includes an extensive overhaul of the road network in Umuahia and Aba, as well as erosion control mechanisms and solid waste management facilities.

READ ALSO: HDAN Supports New REDAN Leadership, Advocates for Professionalism and Collaboration

The project, scheduled for completion by 2029, will upgrade 248.46 kilometers of roadways to asphaltic concrete standards, focusing on improving community welfare through capacity building and enhancing social infrastructure. This marks a significant step towards sustainable development and an improved quality of life in Abia State.

The post Islamic Development Bank Pledges $125 Million for Abia State Infrastructure Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This is even as demolition of marked structures along the proposed road has commenced.

In his address while flagging off the project, Otti explained that the road expansion was in line with his administration’s plan to transform the state capital city into a modern town.

He pointed out that the road, when completed, would give the Abia capital a new face and enhance its beauty.

Otti who listed some challenges he encountered during the conceptualizing period the project, said some villagers pleaded that that they should be allowed to exhume and re-bury their dead relatives.

He informed Abians that owners of 130 structures marked for demolition have already been compensated.

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In his speech, Eze Emelike Chiabuotu of Ossah community commended the governor for commencing the construction of a major road project from his kingdom, saying that when completed, the project would transform his area.

Meanwhile, bulldozers from Abia State Ministry of Works in Umuahia and officials of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, have swung into action, demolishing the structures marked by the Ministry of Works.

The demolition squad which kicked off its assignment at Okigwe Motor Park beside Michael Okpara Square, was seen bringing down buildings with heavy duty equipment even as some affected property owners dashed to salvage valuables from the demolished houses.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has flagged off the construction of a six-lane road project in Umuahia, aimed at opening up the capital city for development.

This is even as demolition of marked structures along the proposed road has commenced.

In his address while flagging off the project, Otti explained that the road expansion was in line with his administration’s plan to transform the state capital city into a modern town.

He pointed out that the road, when completed, would give the Abia capital a new face and enhance its beauty.

Otti who listed some challenges he encountered during the conceptualizing period the project, said some villagers pleaded that that they should be allowed to exhume and re-bury their dead relatives.

He informed Abians that owners of 130 structures marked for demolition have already been compensated.

In his speech, Eze Emelike Chiabuotu of Ossah community commended the governor for commencing the construction of a major road project from his kingdom, saying that when completed, the project would transform his area.

Meanwhile, bulldozers from Abia State Ministry of Works in Umuahia and officials of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, have swung into action, demolishing the structures marked by the Ministry of Works.

The demolition squad which kicked off its assignment at Okigwe Motor Park beside Michael Okpara Square, was seen bringing down buildings with heavy duty equipment even as some affected property owners dashed to salvage valuables from the demolished houses.

Some owners of the demolished structures, especially those at Okigwe Motor Park, were observed shedding tears as the bulldozers crushed their properties.

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Source: Dailypost.

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