By Our Reporter
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has commenced a major rehabilitation of Festac Town, Lagos, beginning with the commissioning of the reconstructed First Gate and First Avenue, complete with newly installed solar-powered street lights.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, the Managing Director of FHA, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, said the project marks the beginning of the Authority’s promise to restore Festac Town to its former glory under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“When we were appointed by the President, we were given a specific mandate to perform. The restoration of Festac Town was a priority for us,” Ojo said. He added that Festac Town holds special significance to FHA, not just as a national monument but also as the birthplace of the Authority.
He explained that reconstructing the First Gate and First Avenue was a deliberate first step towards strengthening security and restoring the dignity of the estate. He noted that work would soon extend to the Second and Third Gates to further enhance the estate’s security system.
Ojo also disclosed that FHA has secured the collaboration of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the full reconstruction of 4th and 7th Avenues, with contractors already mobilized to site. He appealed to residents to support FHA in maintaining the facilities and safeguarding the infrastructure.
In his goodwill message, the President of Festac Town Residents Association (FTRA), Barr. M.K. Adegbenro, commended Ojo for keeping his promise to secure lives and properties within the estate. He pledged the association’s cooperation with FHA in managing the estate.
Representing the Divisional Police Officer and Area Commander of Festac, Superintendent of Police Ali assured residents of improved security, saying: “Residents of Festac Town can now sleep with their two eyes closed.”
Also speaking, Hon. Mrs. Olufunke Osafile, Member representing Amuwo Odofin in the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged residents to take ownership of the estate’s upkeep, noting that “nobody will maintain the estate better than the residents themselves.”
Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Shittu, also applauded FHA’s leadership and revealed that the council had commenced clearing shanties within the estate to complement FHA’s efforts.
Other dignitaries at the event included Chief Oscar Odogwu, Chairman of Balogun Business Association (Trade Fair); Hon. Maureen Ashara, Vice Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government; Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, Baale of Sooba; among others.
