For more than three decades, residents of Mgbidi community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have struggled to complete a bridge project initiated and funded through communal efforts, but the structure remains unfinished.

With the project estimated at about 55 per cent completion, the community is now appealing to Governor Peter Mbah and elected representatives from the area to intervene and rescue it from decades of infrastructural neglect.

Speaking on the abandoned project, President-General of Mgbidi Central Union (MCU), Barrister Tochukwu Nzeh, said the community had exhausted its resources and could no longer sustain the project due to the rising cost of construction materials.

“We have done our best as a community, but we can no longer continue. We are appealing to Governor Peter Mbah to come to our aid and help us complete this bridge,” Nzeh said.

He lamented that despite its population, economic contributions and historical significance, Mgbidi has continued to suffer neglect from successive administrations.

According to him, there is little or no government presence in the two autonomous communities that make up Mgbidi, while basic infrastructure such as healthcare facilities remains in poor condition.

Beyond the bridge project, Nzeh highlighted the deplorable state of the community’s only access road — a seven-kilometre stretch linking Mgbidi to neighbouring Mmaku on the Awgu-Oji River Federal Road.

He explained that the road, originally constructed through communal efforts more than a century ago, has deteriorated significantly and remains a major challenge for residents.

The road traverses the entire community and extends to Adani Ezioha village, which hosts the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp.

Nzeh noted that completing the bridge and rehabilitating the road would not only benefit Mgbidi but also neighbouring communities including Nenwenta, Nkwe and Ezere, whose residents depend on the route for transportation and economic activities.

“Besides connecting the two autonomous communities in Mgbidi, this road and bridge, when completed, will bring immense relief to neighbouring communities and boost economic activities in the area,” he stated.

As a predominantly agrarian community, Mgbidi is known for producing vegetables, cassava, pineapples and other farm produce supplied to major markets in Enugu, Awka, Onitsha, Aba and Port Harcourt.

However, residents say poor road infrastructure has continued to hinder economic activities, making it difficult for farmers to transport goods to markets and discouraging buyers from visiting the area.

Community leaders also noted that the poor road network has created hardships for traders, students, pregnant women and elderly residents, particularly during the rainy season when sections of the road become nearly impassable.

Nzeh said Mgbidi, with a population of more than 52,000 people, remains one of the largest farming communities in Awgu Local Government Area and possesses significant tourism potential.

He identified natural attractions such as caves, waterfalls and other scenic sites that could attract tourists and investors if supported with adequate infrastructure.

Community leaders argue that Mgbidi’s strategic importance and contributions to the development of the area make its prolonged neglect difficult to justify.

The community is widely recognised as the ancestral home of the late Chief G.I. Oko, a prominent leader whose contributions were instrumental to the creation of the old Awgu Division during the colonial era.

A community leader, Ichie Matthew Okpara, and a retired civil servant, Chief Festus Ifeji, expressed concern over the continued neglect of the area despite its historical significance.

“For years, the people have watched neighbouring communities benefit from government projects while Mgbidi remained on the margins,” Ifeji said.

He added that the poor condition of roads, healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure has continued to limit economic opportunities and force many young people to migrate in search of better prospects.

Speaking emotionally, 98-year-old Ichie Okpara appealed to Governor Mbah to intervene and ensure the completion of the bridge project during his lifetime.

Earlier this year, an indigene of the community drew public attention to the plight of Mgbidi through a viral video highlighting the deplorable state of the road and the abandoned bridge project.

The resident recalled that construction of the bridge had already commenced while he was still in primary school but lamented that decades later, the project remains unfinished due to lack of funding.

While commending Governor Mbah for ongoing developmental projects across Enugu State, including the Smart School project under construction in Mgbidi, he appealed for similar intervention in road and bridge infrastructure.

“I have seen the transformation taking place across Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah. I believe he will extend the same intervention to Mgbidi and bring an end to decades of hardship suffered by our people,” he said.

Also speaking, an Enugu-based cleric from the community, Pastor Edwin Ogbonna, called for urgent government intervention, noting that residents had continued to pray for a breakthrough on the project.

For many residents, the appeal goes beyond completing a bridge or rehabilitating a road. It represents a call for inclusion, development and recognition after more than 30 years of waiting.

Having sustained the project through communal efforts for decades, the people of Mgbidi say their hope now rests on government intervention to finally turn their long-awaited dream into reality.

The post Enugu Community Seeks Gov Mbah’s Help to Complete 30-Year-Old Abandoned Bridge appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Agbado, Abule Ijoko, Itoki, Ope-Ilu and other neighbouring communities in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have decried the worsening condition of roads in the area, describing the situation as a major source of hardship, insecurity and economic losses.

The residents, who spoke during a visit to the communities on Tuesday, said the roads had remained in deplorable condition for more than 15 years despite repeated appeals to successive administrations.

A visit to the area revealed that the approximately 13-kilometre stretch linking Agbado Oja to Abule Ijoko has largely collapsed, with several sections rendered impassable by deep potholes, erosion and overgrown vegetation.

One of the residents, Waheed Sanyaolu, said the poor state of the road has isolated the communities and negatively affected residents’ daily activities.

“We are suffering and feel completely cut off from civilisation. We have made several appeals to the government without any meaningful response. The only intervention we witnessed was during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, but it did not bring lasting relief,” he said.

Motorists and commuters were seen struggling to navigate waterlogged sections of the road, while several vehicles and motorcycles broke down due to the deteriorating condition of the route.

Another resident noted that flooding during the rainy season has further worsened the situation.

“Travelling from Agbado Crossing to Abule Ijoko should take about 10 minutes, but the road has become almost unusable except by motorcycle. Even motorcyclists now resort to alternative inner routes through Gasline, Oluasho and Oyetedo before reconnecting to the main road,” he said.

Rising Insecurity

Residents also expressed concern over increasing insecurity, blaming the poor road network for frequent attacks by hoodlums, particularly at night.

According to Olatunji, a resident, commuters and commercial motorcyclists have become easy targets for criminals.

“Because of the bad roads, hoodlums regularly attack residents returning home from work. Passengers are robbed while motorcycles are often seized from riders. One victim was recently struck on the head with a hammer,” he alleged.

Residents Blame Train Station Construction

The residents attributed the rapid deterioration of the roads to the construction activities associated with the Lateef Jakande Train Station at Agbado Crossing.

They claimed that heavy-duty trucks transporting construction materials from the Sango-Ota axis caused extensive damage to the already fragile roads.

“The roads were bad before, but they were still manageable. Everything got worse when trucks began moving construction materials to the train station around 2017. After the project was completed, the roads were abandoned without repairs,” a community member said.

Transport Costs Soar

Commercial transport operators said the condition of the roads has significantly increased vehicle maintenance costs, forcing many to raise transport fares.

A motorcycle rider, Taoreed, lamented that he spends substantial amounts on repairs.

“Today alone, I spent N18,000 repairing my motorcycle. This has become a regular occurrence, and it is affecting our livelihood,” he said.

Flooding Threatens Residents

Residents also appealed for urgent intervention to clear blocked drainage channels around Bashy Bus Stop, warning that flooding poses serious risks to schoolchildren and other road users.

A female resident said heavy rainfall recently submerged parts of the area.

“The drainage under the footbridge is blocked and causing severe flooding. Students are forced to walk through floodwaters after school. The situation is dangerous and requires immediate attention,” she said.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Ade Akinsanya, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to her were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

The post Residents Lament 15 Years of Neglect as Agbado-Ijoko Road Deteriorates appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A home is more than just a physical structure — it’s a foundation for stability, safety, and personal growth.

Affordable housing provides families and individuals with a chance to live securely, focus on their well-being, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Affordable housing is not a handout but a necessity that addresses widening social and economic inequalities.

Rising rent and home prices have made it increasingly difficult for middle- and low-income earners, seniors, and people with disabilities to secure decent housing.

When people spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent, they have less to allocate for essentials such as food, healthcare, and education.

Studies show that affordable housing leads to better health outcomes, stronger academic performance among children, and increased financial stability.

Families living in safe, affordable homes are less likely to experience stress and more likely to build lasting community ties.

Well-designed affordable housing developments also strengthen local economies.

They create construction and service jobs, attract small businesses, and promote diversity by bringing together people from different social and economic backgrounds.

Communities with accessible, quality housing tend to experience lower crime rates, greater social inclusion, and improved public health.

As cities continue to grow, the need for affordable, sustainable housing becomes more urgent.

Providing homes that people can truly afford not only improves individual lives but also builds stronger, more resilient, and more equitable communities for all.

The post How Affordable Housing Improves Lives and Strengthens Communities appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Researchers have called for urgent community-led efforts to address worsening flooding in Ajegunle, Lagos State, stressing the need for inclusive and sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable residents.

The call came during a meeting between Ajegunle residents and experts from the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), University of Lagos, under the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) led by the University of Manchester, UK.

Prof. Peter Elias, Co-Director of CHSD, said flooding in Lagos’ coastal settlements is worsening due to climate change, poor planning, and weak infrastructure. He noted that the Action Research for Climate Resilience (AR4CR) project aims to develop solutions through collaboration with local stakeholders.

Temilade Sesan, Lagos City Manager for ACRC, said the initiative will harness community knowledge to mitigate flood risks that cause deaths, asset loss, and displacement.

Bimbo Oshobe, President of the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, urged government support for the construction of embankments to protect the community, noting that dam releases and climate change worsen flooding beyond rainfall.

The post Researchers Urge Community-Driven Action to Curb Flooding in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The World Bank has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for its effective implementation of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, describing it as a national benchmark after a three-year review.

During a field visit to Kwali Area Council, World Bank Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, Ellysa Baroudy, praised the project’s impact after engaging with residents in Pukafa and Sheda 1 communities.

“It is always difficult to implement a program, but ACReSAL has succeeded in Nigeria,” Baroudy said. “We don’t always have successful projects, but this is a successful project.”

She noted that while the World Bank provides funding, “the FCT stakeholders knew how to deploy the resources to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for ACReSAL, emphasized the importance of traditional leadership. “Before we engage with any community, we first pay homage to the traditional rulers,” she said.

FCT Agriculture Mandate Secretary, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, called ACReSAL a “game-changer,” citing strong oversight by the Minister-led Steering Committee.

Project Coordinator Caroline Opara added, “Every component of ACReSAL has been implemented in Kwali. It is the heart of our interventions.”

The post World Bank Hails FCT’s Climate Resilience Project as a National Model appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged Ibadan’s compound heads (Mogajis) and community leaders to make ancient family houses in the city more habitable.

Receiving hundreds of Mogajis at his Bodija residence over the weekend, Ladoja expressed concern that many chiefs with the means to improve their ancestral homes have instead chosen to live in upscale areas such as Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, Akobo, or even outside Nigeria.

He lamented that some had abandoned family responsibilities, neglecting to convene meetings or contribute to community growth after receiving their titles.

“We want Mogajis and chiefs to remain close to their roots,” Ladoja said. “By doing so, you will inspire the younger generation seeking mentorship. Encourage the grassroots by living among them and sharing with them.”

The post Olubadan-Elect Ladoja Advocates Urban Renewal for a Modern Ibadan appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lafarge Africa Plc has partnered with the Ogun State Government to plant one million trees across the state’s 20 local government areas. The project marks a major step toward environmental sustainability.

The initiative is part of Ogun Tree Planting Day 2025, observed every second Saturday of August. This year’s theme, “Grow Trees, Sustain Life,” focuses on large-scale tree planting and the beautification of the Ogun State Secretariat’s second entrance at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Lafarge Africa’s Commitment to the Environment

The Group Managing Director and CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, represented by Gabriel Pollyn, Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships, explained that the project aligns with the company’s decarbonisation and quarry rehabilitation efforts.

“Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to fight climate change. At Lafarge Africa, every tree we plant is an investment in the environment, the economy, and future generations. We will plant 150,000 native trees over five years in Ogun and Oyo States,” Alade-Akinyemi said.

Local Impact of Climate Change

Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, emphasized the urgent need for local solutions to climate change. He highlighted challenges like prolonged dry seasons, flooding, rising temperatures, and threats to agriculture, livestock, and public health.

“We are planting more than trees. We are planting hope, health, and the future of our state. Planting trees is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect our environment,” Oludotun said.

Ensuring Long-Term Growth

Beyond the ceremony, Lafarge Africa pledged to work with local communities to nurture the seedlings. This ensures their survival and long-term contribution to the ecosystem.

The initiative is a bold step toward a greener, more resilient Nigeria, combining corporate responsibility with environmental stewardship.

The post Lafarge Africa, Ogun State Launch Ambitious One-Million-Tree Drive appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke during the commissioning of the new Collector Road CN-8. This road connects Arterial Road N-5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) in Jabi District to Arterial Road N-1 (Olusegun Obasanjo Way) in Dakibiyu District, Abuja.

The road project is part of a 17-day event to mark Tinubu’s second year in office. It also highlights the work of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in pushing for fast and quality infrastructure.

President Tinubu praised Minister Wike for his sense of urgency and focus. He said good infrastructure shows a government’s commitment to its people.

“There is no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernisation of its cities,” Tinubu said. “Infrastructure is more than concrete and steel. It shows leadership, vision, and care for citizens.”

He explained that the new roads will reduce traffic, help local businesses, and improve access to schools and hospitals.

“This is what we mean by Renewed Hope,” Tinubu said. “It is not empty talk but real action that changes lives. We want development in every part of Abuja, not just in the city centre.”

Tinubu promised to continue supporting the FCTA to deliver more projects on time and to high standards.

In his speech, Minister Wike thanked the President for his support. He said the roads were in very bad shape before.

“Your Excellency, this road was terrible,” Wike said. “We awarded the contract in September last year and started work in October. Today, we are proud to commission it. Thank you for your support, and we ask for even more.”

The post FCTA Brings New Life to Communities — Tinubu appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The donation was publicly presented by the state’s Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, who represented the governor at the event. Aliero stated that the funds had been approved by Governor Idris for the organising committee and were available in cash for immediate delivery.

Describing the governor as a dedicated leader and the only “Comrade Governor” in Nigeria, Aliero emphasized the governor’s commitment to supporting religious initiatives. He noted that the full ₦30 million was on hand and ready for presentation before leaving the stage.

Despite the gesture, Pastor Enenche responded by asking that the donation be redirected towards charitable purposes, specifically recommending that the funds support orphanages or similar humanitarian efforts. His decision, captured in a widely circulated video, has drawn commendation from many who praised the emphasis on social responsibility and ethical stewardship.

The moment underscores the growing call for integrity and transparency in religious and political engagements, particularly in the use of public funds for philanthropic outreach.

The post Pastor Paul Enenche Declines ₦30m Donation, Urges Support for Orphanages appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In the video, Oba Olaoye makes it clear that financial donations to the palace will no longer be accepted as a basis for receiving titles. Instead, he emphasized that those interested must contribute directly to the town’s growth through development projects.

“You don’t need to give Soun any money,” the monarch stated. “But we will tell you what you must do to help build the town. That’s the truth.”

He cited the example of a newly built market, funded by a chieftaincy aspirant, as a model for future applicants. “That market was built by someone who wants a chieftaincy. I’ve said we will build ten more five each in the North and South local government areas. Each one will be built by those interested in a title.

Oba Olaoye made it clear that chieftaincy in Ogbomoso carries both prestige and responsibility. He warned that titles will not be granted to those seeking shortcuts or honorary positions without meaningful contribution.

“Ogbomoso chieftaincy is not for everyone,” he declared. “If you want a cheap title, go elsewhere. But if you want one here, be ready to invest not in me, but in the future of this town.”

This new approach has been met with praise from many citizens, who see it as a bold step toward transparency and sustainable development. The Soun’s message reflects a growing trend of using traditional institutions to drive local progress.

The post Ogbomoso Chieftaincy Now Tied to Community Development, Says Soun appeared first on Housing TV Africa.