Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has commended President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to empower at least 1,500 people across the country’s 8,809 wards, describing it as “unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.”
Sani made the remark on Monday during the commissioning of 100 free houses for widows by the Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) under the Social Housing Project at Rigachukun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He said the President’s ward development plan would address the peculiar needs of each community, adding that the state government would soon convene a town hall meeting with elected officials and stakeholders to identify local priorities.
“The Family Homes Fund Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing for Kaduna citizens,” he said.
According to him, access to safe, affordable, and secure housing is fundamental to human dignity, noting that the state government has been partnering with local and international investors to address the housing deficit.
Sani recalled that the state recently distributed houses to families of victims of banditry under the Qatar Sannabil Project, a partnership between the Kaduna State Government and Qatar Charity.
He also said the state had commenced the construction of the 3,319-hectare Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa new extension layout and Urban Shelter’s 200-hectare housing project in Millennium City, Kaduna.
The governor added that several federal agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Federal Housing Authority (FHA), have initiated housing projects in the state due to its conducive atmosphere and attractive incentives.
“We recently organised a successful international housing exhibition which provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss housing development initiatives, explore emerging technologies, and proffer solutions to housing challenges in Northern Nigeria,” Sani said.
In his remarks, Mr Ademola Adebise, Chairman of FHFL, said the project “symbolises renewed hope and restored dignity” for the 100 widows who benefited.
He said the initiative integrates home ownership with skills training, livelihood support, and climate-smart construction, making it a model for sustainable social housing in Nigeria.
“These homes are energy-efficient, incorporating solar energy and sustainable materials. In doing so, we are reducing energy costs for these families while promoting green living,” Adebise said.
He added that the use of expanded polystyrene system (EPS) technology made the houses faster and more cost-effective to build, in line with Nigeria’s low-carbon goals.
Adebise also said each beneficiary received livelihood training to support small-scale businesses and a cottage yard for agricultural use within the estate.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said the Tinubu administration inherited the project from its predecessor and completed it.
Bagudu commended Sani for his commitment to people-centred governance and his efforts to ensure the project’s completion.
He said the project began in Kaduna because “we have a governor who will knock on every door and ensure that nobody sleeps until things are done for the benefit of the people.”