The Oyo State government on Tuesday, disclosed that the present administration was targeting 2,500 housing units for the people of the state within the next 18 months.
The Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Hon. Ademola Omotosho said this is part of efforts to provide affordable and sustainable urban living for residents of the State.
Omotoso, who just clocked one year as the chairman of the agency, said the Housing project, christened Ajoda New Town is sitting on 5,000 hectares of land.
Mr. Omotoso explained that the Housing project was designed to provide homes for low-income earners, covering both the formal and informal sectors.
He described the projects as a fulfilment of the present administration’s vision for a greater Oyo state rooted in inclusivity, modern infrastructure, and community development.
“The joy and peace that come with finally owning a house are beyond words. That is why providing decent housing is a top priority for us at Oyo State Housing Corporation,” Omotoso said.
“Our tenure as a board in Housing Corporation is about ensuring dignity, good legacy and a brighter future for every resident.”
Omotoso said although shelter was one of the basic needs of human beings, it had continued to be one of the most expensive assets to own by individuals, adding that the Seyi Makinde-led government would harness all resources to provide affordable shelter for the people of Oyo state.
Hon. Omotoso affirmed that access road to Ajoda New Town have been rehabilitated, adding that the ongoing development at the estate is rapid.
He explained further that the Corporation has discovered other housing estates within the State capital, especially a 40 hectares estate close to Ajoda New Town Estate.
He said, “This is part of our mandate at Housing Corporation: to ensure that Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, has befitting infrastructure and amenity that will make it stand out as a capital city, favorably competing with neighbouring States. We are doing this in collaboration with the Developers and a new Revenue consultant.”
The Chairman also hinted that the Corporation has collaborated with a Developer, on a Public Private Partnership basis to build 18 units of terrace houses in Bodija, while Owode estate at Apata is being harnessed.
…Threatens to revoke C-of-O of undeveloped lands in Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has threatened to revoke the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) of undeveloped lands in its Housing projects across Ibadan and its environs.
The Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr. Ademola Omotosho disclosed this on Tuesday.
Omotoso said that the government was serious on the issue because such lands had become haven for the perpetration of crimes by hoodlums, among other practices that were inimical to societal well being.
“Government will not indulge land owners who refuse to develop allocated lands. All lands within Ibadan and environs must either be put to use, developed or the owners will stand the chance of forfeiting their C-of-O”, he said.
Stressing on the dangers of not developing Estates, Omotosho said the the government has been battling with the scourge of armed robbery, encroachment and land grabbers in Owode estate.
He added that the Oyo State Government will soon commence the construction of a shopping complex that will complement the modernisation of Ibadan.
Omotoso held that the Mall, when completed, will provide ultramodern state-of-the-art retail, entertainment, relaxation and dining facilities with shopping space, including retail shops, food court, with automated parking space for not less than 500 vehicles, among others.
Speaking on the infrastructural intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in the state, particularly in Ibadan, the state capital, Omotosho said no government can compete with Makinde’s achievements.
He said Makinde has given the state, particularly Ibadan, a befitting facelift of socioeconomic development that can never be matched by any administration in the state.
Other members present at the media chat were: Hon Akinsete Olakunle – Member,
Ayaba Barr Mojisola Adeyemi – member,
Rev Dr Adeboyin Adeola – member
