12th May,2025
PRESS RELEASE
The attention of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,has been drawn to certain unfounded insinuations suggesting that the Ministry is inactive or doing little to address the pressing housing needs of Kogi State. This statement is not only misleading but also undermines the tireless efforts of the administration of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,who has demonstrated unprecedented commitment in to housing development and Urban renewal since assuming office.
In response to the rising housing deficit,a challenge not peculiar to Kogi but a national concern the Ministry, with full backing of His Excellency,has adopted a deliberate and results driven approach to bridge the housing gap, improve livability and promote dignified accomodations for all categories of residents across the state.
Key interventions and achievements:
Affordable student housing projects: Recognizing the accommodation crises in tertiary institutions, the Ministry has led the construction of modern student hostels at the Confluences University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara with similar hostels under construction at Kogi State University Kabba. These projects are easing the burden of housing in students and their families while improving learning environment.
Security Housing Infrastructure:
To ensure safety and support the welfare of security personnel, the Ministry constructed police squadron, barracks in Upogoro and Oro in Okene Local Government providing stable housing for officers and thereby enhancing their operational efficiency.
Healthcare Housing Support:
In line with His Excellency’s vision for a robust health sector, the Ministry has commenced the construction of Doctor’s Lodges and students’Hostel at both CUSTECH Teaching Hospital Okene and Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital Anyigba. These facilities are not only improving health care access but also reducing the accomodations strain for health workers and trainees.
Urban Development and Public Infrastructure:
We are currently supervising several large _scale projects that are part of broader Urban renewal and housing infrastructure, including:
*Lokoja Ultramodern Market
*Kogi State Audit House Complex.
*Renovation of the Palace of the Ohimege Igu of Koton_karfe
*Completed upgrades of the Magistrate Court in Lokoja
*Completed renovation of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
All these projects contribute directly or indirectly to organized Urban Development, decongestion of living spaces, and modernization of our towns and cities _kery strategies in housing deficit.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) for Civil Servants Housing:
The Kogi Government has recently entered into a memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with reputable private investors to deliver affordable estates housing for civil servants through PPP arrangements. Groundbreaking ceremonies for these estates will soon be carried out by His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, signaling a new phase in mass housing delivery.
Let it be known that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,is fully alive to its responsibilities. Every intervention mentioned herein,is part of a coordinated plan to reduce the housing deficit,enhance infrastructure, and support community development in all parts of the state.
We urge every individual and media agency genuinely concerned about the development of Kogi State to verify information before dissemination to avoid misleading the public.
We reaffirm our loyalty and unwavering commitment to the transformational vision of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. We shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure every Kogite benefits from the dividends of democracy particularly in the areas of shelter and Urban living.
God bless His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,
God bless Kogi State.
Signed: Hon. Abanika Taiye,
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development.
12th May 2025
