NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Flood: NDDC begins construction of emergency shelter

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By Naomi Sharang

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said it has begun construction of a Multipurpose Emergency Shelter designed to serve as a refuge during flood emergencies in the Niger delta region.

Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, made this known on Monday in Abuja, while defending the commission’s 2024 budget estimate of N1.911 trillion before the Senate Committee on NDDC.

In his presentation, Ogbuku said that from the proposed 2024 budget, N38.5 billion was for personnel, while N29.2 billion was for overhead and N1 trillion earmarked for legacy projects.

He said that the Multipurpose Emergency Shelter, which was a flagship of NDDC’s present administration with a capacity of over 1,000 accommodations, was designed to serve as a refuge during flood emergencies.

“In response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans, we have commenced construction of a Multipurpose Emergency Shelter with a capacity of over 1,000 accommodations, designed to serve as a refuge during flood emergencies.

“The facility includes essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, aimed at providing comprehensive support to the community,” he said.

He said that once completed, the multipurpose emergency shelter would play a vital role in offering temporary accommodation and necessary services to the population in the event of emergencies in the region.

“The NDDC’s proactive approach in addressing the needs of the affected communities through such initiatives underscores the Commission’s commitment to enhancing emergency response and resilience in the Niger Delta region,’ he added.

Ogbuku further said that in the area of infrastructure, the commission came up with “Operation Light Up Niger Delta Region”.

“This has seen a reasonable number of the communities being lit up using solar powered street lights, which have boosted the economic activities of communities at night.

“In education, we have awarded foreign scholarships to 750 individuals between 2023-2024 (for 2022, 2023 and 2024 years) and provided educational grants to 84 individuals.

“Additionally, we are distributing 45, 000 Ulesson tablets preloaded with Nigerian and WAEC syllabus to schools in the nine states in the Niger Delta region.”

He said that the commission had commissioned a programme, to enable enrolment of poor and vulnerable people into the various Social Health Insurance Schemes of the nine NDDC states.

This, he said, was in view of the prevailing poor health indices of the country and particularly the region.

“This is to also facilitate easy access to essential health and social services towards Universal Health Coverage.”

Ogbuku said that the commission was working toward completion of some ongoing projects, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

The MD also said that his administration was committed to payment of legacy debts because, “we are committed to the welfare of our people in the Niger Delta”.

He said that N100 billion was earmarked to begin payment of legacy debts, adding that in 10 years’ time the commission would have offset the legacy debts.

Chairman of the Senate Committee, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, while noting that although the budget was brought late, said NDDC had recorded salient achievements like ‘light up Niger Delta’.

“I hope that the 2024 budget will consolidate on already existing projects. I commend the NDDC’s scholarship programme,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

L-R: Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Minister of Niger Delta, Mr Abubakar Momoh and MD/CEO NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during the inauguration of the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa

NNPC Ltd, partners, NDDC inaugurate N24.5bn Ogbia-Nembe road

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and its Joint Venture (JV) partners, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have inaugurated the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa State.

The JV partners are Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, said on Tuesday in a statement that the milestone was part of activities to mark the one year anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The project, valued at N24.5billion, traverses mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts, connecting 14 communities.

Speaking at the inauguration in Nembe, Bayelsa, the President, represented by the Minister of the Niger Delta, Mr Abubakar Momoh, said the project aligned with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the region.

Tinubu, who described the project as an evidence of what good partnerships could bring to communities, urged other oil companies to collaborate with the NNPC Ltd. and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Ltd., represented by Mr Obinna Aralu, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the road, describing it as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.

He said the road was more than just infrastructure as it symbolised progress, connectivity and opportunities for the Nembe people through seamless transportation, increase in economic activities and general improvement in the quality of life.

Wunti also thanked all the partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

The Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor, highlighted the transformative impact of the project, stressing that it would connect communities to the city centre, boost economic activities and reduce the risks associated with river transport.

Okunbor reiterated Shell’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to deliver projects that are beneficial to the people of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission was dedicated to completing projects across the Niger Delta region that serve the urgent needs in the communities.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended the NDDC, NNPC Ltd and its partners for the project.

The epoch-making event was highly attended by top government officials and traditional rulers from Bayelsa, including the Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong.

Others are the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta, Mr Erhiatake Ibori-Senu; Chairman of NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie; the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Mingi XII and the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Dumaro Charles Owaba III.

The completion and commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe road marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by the NNPC Limited and its partners to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Tractors in Nigeria

NDDC to procure tractors for mechanised farming in Niger Delta – official

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By Desmond Ejibas

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), plans to acquire tractors and other modern farming equipment to enhance its agriculture initiatives in the Niger Delta, an official has said.

Mr Victor Antai, the commission’s Executive Director, Projects, revealed this while inspecting farming equipment produced by Bobtrack Limited, in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

He emphasised that investing in agriculture would help the Niger Delta maximise its agricultural potential with traditional farming methods upgraded to mechanised methods.

“NDDC is looking at procuring various farming equipment to incorporate them into the Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Engagement (HOPE) programme, which focuses on agriculture as a key component.

“The Project HOPE initiative seeks to create employment opportunities and we have already collated data on youths, many of whom are interested in agriculture.

“NDDC is committed to ensuring food security in the Niger Delta; we want to engage youths in agriculture to achieve our food security objective,” he explained.

Antai expressed satisfaction with the quality of the tractors and other farming tools, noting that the tools would boost the current efforts to shore up mechanised farming in the region.

The Managing Director of Bobtrack Limited, Ibifiri Bob-Manuel, in a remark, stated that the country could achieve sufficiency in food supplies through investments in mechanised farming, moving away from traditional practices.

He added that the company’s tractors were specifically tailored for farming in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy

Tinubu actively seeking ways to grow foreign reserves, stabilise naira – Aide

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Emmanuella Anokam

A Presidential aide, Mrs Olu Verheijen, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is actively seeking ways to grow the nation’s foreign reserves to stabilise the Naira and economy.

Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, said this in her presentation at the Ministerial Press Briefing on Friday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.

Verheijen said the government was committed to accelerating economic growth and diversifying the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

This, she said, required timely, credible, clear and consistent policies.

According to her, the country is faced with a revenue crisis which is impacting all Nigerians.

She described the oil and gas sector as critical to the country’s ability to accelerate economic growth, adding that the current oil and gas production and investment levels fell significantly short of the country’s potential.

The aide said since 2016, Nigeria had only accounted for four per cent of Africa’s total oil and gas investments, despite possessing 38 per cent of the continent’s hydrocarbon reserves.

she expressed assurance of the president’s determination to reverse the trend and take decisive steps to ensure a conducive business climate and reposition Nigeria as a preferred investment destination.

“Tinubu issued a Presidential Directive to streamline and clarify the scope of the two regulators in the petroleum sector to provide certainty and create a conducive business environment.

“He also directed the National Security Adviser and me to coordinate enhanced security measures in the Niger Delta.

“Owing to this directive, the pipelines which had been repeatedly vandalised are now enjoying improved uptime; availability has practically doubled since these directives were implemented.

“This has translated to increased liquids of over 200,000 barrels per day being transported over the last six months.

“It has increased the availability of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train One to Six from 57 per cent in 2023 to 70 per cent in first quarter of 2024,” she said.

She further explained that Tinubu had also introduced fiscal incentives to deepen Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) penetration.

Verheijen said these incentives were designed to ease the impact of fuel subsidies on transportation cost and enable the displacement of Premium Motor Spirit and Diesel.

She said following extensive engagements, analysis and bench-marking with industry operators and regulators, the President had initiated amendment of primary legislation to introduce fiscal incentives, reduce project execution timelines and promote cost efficiency.

“However, recognising the urgency to accelerate investments to stabilise the economy, Tinubu executed Policy Directives to clearly signal the policy direction of this administration to both the market and regulators.

“The Policy Directives include Fiscal Incentives for Non-Associated Gas (NAG), Midstream and Deepwater Oil and Gas Developments, Streamlining of Contracting Processes, Procedures and Timelines and Local Content Practice Reform.

“Details on the role of each stakeholder are contained in the Policy Directives, which have been Gazetted and will be distributed shortly,” she said.

On coordination, the aide said she would play a coordinating role in ensuring implementation within the timelines stipulated in the directives.

She promised to follow up on the implementation of the directives, and in return expects the operators to commit to their promises to make the desired investments.

“This administration is focused on enabling transformational economic opportunities to lift millions of hardworking Nigerians our of poverty,” Verheijen said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

Participants at the workshop on conflicts

EU, others partner to address conflicts in Niger Delta

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By Angela Atabo

The European Union (EU) has supported Search for Common Ground (Search) and other partners to inaugurate the “Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” project.

The implementation consortium partners include Search, Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Academic Associate Peace Works (AAPW) and Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta (PIND).

The Country Director of Search Nigeria, Fatima Abubakar, made this known at the national inauguration of the project on Thursday in Abuja.

Abubakar said that the inauguration of the project signified a renewed commitment to the vision of a peaceful Niger Delta, drawing inspiration from past successes and the resilient spirit of the communities we serve.

She said that Search had successfully launched the project in Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta States.

She added that the moment marked a noteworthy milestone in the organisation’s collaborative endeavours to promote inclusive community security approaches and address the root causes of violence and criminality in the Niger Delta.

“The project closely aligns with relevant state, regional and national initiatives aimed at addressing conflicts and criminality in the region.

“At the state level, the project closely aligns with the various state government’s economic and peace building programmes.

“On the national frontier, while the project actively complements the efforts of the Ministry of Niger Delta in addressing socio-economic grievances, the unique collaboration with the Ministry has further strengthened the project’s sustainability prospects.

“As we officially launch this project, let us see it as an opportunity to build a resilient and peaceful Niger Delta, setting an example for sustainable development and community-driven transformation. ”

Abubakar said that the project was an opportunity to empower the youth and women to be part of the development structure of the region.

He added that the project would also create alternative incentives where violence and criminality would no longer dominate the headlines of the Niger Delta.

The EU representative, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, Zissimos Vergos, said the project would help to propose an authentic narrative to the region for sustainable development.

“We all know that we cannot address the structural problems of the region but what we can do is to highlight a paradigm shift in the theory of change that can convince the local populace on alternatives.

“While engaging in this space, our interest is to see Nigeria achieving her status as the giant of Africa and bring resources to the table so that the Nigerians can benefit.

“The project will help to promote inclusion. What we know from our societies is that inclusive societies do better and the project will help is to achieve it.

“We ask for the commitment of government and stakeholders to make it happen,” he said

The Senior Regional Manager West Africa, Search for Common Ground, Bryan Weiner said the project was a community centred approach to transforming environments in the Niger Delta.

Weiner added that it would bring recognition to the four leading development organisations coming together to propose an authentic narrative to the region for sustainable development.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, expressed hope that the project would serve as a compass guiding towards a more holistic understanding of the challenges in the region.

Momoh, represented by his Special Assistant, James Khanoba, said that it would also be a potential package towards sustainable solutions.

He said the Niger Delta with its breath-taking landscape and vast resources was undeniably a region of immense promises.

He, however, added that the promise had been over shadowed by the persistent issues of criminality and violence impeding the growth and prosperity our people rightfully deserves.

According to him, the project is a testament to the unwavering commitment to address these challenges keeping in mind the human dimensions.

The Director General, Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochonogwu, said the investment of the European Union (EU) in the region was apt, adding that the collaborative effort would help in building a wall of difference.

“IPCR as the apex think-tank as well as intervention agency of the federal government of Nigeria in the area of conflict prevention, management and resolution does this through collaborative partnership and engagement with other stakeholders.”

Ochogwu assured the stakeholders of the institute’s support to make the dream of the Niger Delta come through. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Isaac Aregbesola

The final batch of graduating Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under the Presidential Amnesty Programme

Presidential Amnesty: Final batch of aircraft maintenance engineers complete training

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The last batch of 20 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Aviation Resuscitation Programme have graduated from the Leadstream Aviation Academy, Lagos.

Mr Freston Akpor, the Special Assistant, Media, to the PAP Interim Administrator, retired Gen. Barry Ndiomu, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Akpor said the 20 trainees were among the 40 Aircraft maintenance Engineers that participated in the programme.

“They are part of the 75 lot comprising 35 cadet pilots and 40 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under the Presidential Amnesty Programme Aviation Resuscitation Programme,” he said.

Akpor said with the latest development, all the 40 engineers shortlisted had completed their programmes and would be rated on select aircraft engine types.

He said their on-the-Job (OJT) programne would run for 12 months of which their living expenses for the OJT period had been fully covered in advance by the PAP.

Akpor quoted Ndiomu as advising the engineers during their graduation ceremony to stay focused and strive for excellence always.

Ndiomu who was represented by the Head of Reintegration Department, Mr Wilfred Musa, called on relevant agencies of government to support the efforts of the PAP in developing manpower for strategic industries both locally and internationally.

He added, “I call on the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Management as well as its appendage agencies to support and collaborate with the PAP on its aggressive talent development drive.”

Ndiomu said six cadet pilots out of the 12 deployed in October 2023 to various Aviation Training Organisations in Johannesburg, South Africa would return to Nigeria this week having successfully completed their type rating training programme.

Some of the graduating delegates, who spoke after the ceremony, were elated and grateful to President Bola Tinubu, for his goodwill and steadfast leadership that had contributed to peace in the region.

They also commended the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Interim Administrator, PAP, Ndiomu, for their steadfastness that had promoted the quality of human lives in the Niger Delta. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Momoh

Niger Delta Affairs minister pledges transparent utilisation of resources

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By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Momoh has pledged to utilise the resources of the ministry transparently.

Momoh stated this on Tuesday when he hosted members of Edo Journalists’ Forum in Abuja.

He said that the present challenges of the government were quite enormous in view of scarce financial resources.

Momoh said that whatever the ministry gets would be managed as best as it could, so that people could see for themselves.

He admitted that the expectations of the Niger Delta people were high, but that they should exercise patience with the government because of the present economic situation and low resources.

“But at least we will manage transparently the resources that are available to us. That is what we stand for.

“If you want to go to equity, you must go with clean hands; we want to restrain ourselves from so many things that others are used to doing in the past.

”I don’t want my integrity and my authority to be eroded in any way,” he said.

The minister said that the ministry was open to all the people in the region.

He said that the ministry would collaborate and work with major stakeholders to ensure that some of the responsibilities and expectations for the region were met.

“I know the expectations are quite high, so we will ensure that those we cannot do directly, we get our colleagues and stakeholders to help us.

“We will also work with other ministries and agencies to ensure that other responsibilities they handle in the region will adequately be taken care of,” he said.

Momoh charged journalists to help in whatever way they could to positively project the ministry.

Earlier, the spokesperson for the Forum, Dr Leon Usigbe said the group was on the visit to congratulate the minister on his new appointment.

“We are also here to show solidarity and to let you know that we share in the dream to create a vibrant and a new Niger Delta.

“We believe that as the goose that lays the golden egg, the Niger Delta deserves more than it currently receives.

“And we are confident that with someone like you who is a change agent and who is passionate about development, this is the best time that this region can look up to,” he said.

He said that restiveness in the region was due to youth employment.

“We know that with your ability and you being at the helm of Niger Delta Affairs, things are going to be different,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers trained under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators in the Niger Delta

Presidential Amnesty Programme trains first batch of aircraft engineers

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Twenty Aircraft Maintenance Engineers have graduated from the Aviation Training Programme, organised by the the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The beneficiaries are part of the 75 Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under the PAP Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators from the Niger Delta.

Speaking on Monday in Lagos at the graduation of the trainees, Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, the Interim Administrator, PAP, stated that the initiatives deployed by the PAP were designed to improve the lives of young people.

He said the training was critical to the supply of manpower globally in strategic industries and trade sectors.

Ndiomu was represented by Wilfred Musa, PAP’s Head of Reintegration.

He recalled that his administration decided to throw its weight behind the Aviation Resuscitation Programme, given the enormous opportunities that abound in the aviation industry and its relevance in building human capacity.

Ndiomu said that the programme had a global relevance.

“By the time you all get jobs within the aviation industry, whether locally or internationally, you will earn a decent living and access robust knowledge.

“This will also enable you to become a part of a global network which will in turn empower you to add value to your families, communities, and ultimately to Niger Delta,” he said.

He said that aviation training might be very expensive but there was no amount that was too much to invest in the capacity development of a Niger Deltan.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Leadstream Aviation Training Limited, Roland Ahmed, commended the Presidential Amnesty Office for not giving up on the Aviation delegates.

He added that the PAP, by reason of this investment, had become a strategic supplier of critical manpower to the fastest growing global industry.

Ahmed said that the successful 20 aircraft maintenance engineers would now proceed on a 12-month on-the-job-training (OJT) after which they would be licensed and type rated.

“The OJT experience has been fully funded by the PAP,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

NCS boss, Adewale Adeniyi (Left) with PAP Interim Administrator, Maj. General Barry Ndiomu during the partnership visit

NCS, PAP to strengthen inter-agency collaboration on Niger Delta

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have agreed to partner to strengthen operations towards peace and development in the Niger Delta.

The strategic partnership was agreed when the acting Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, hosted the PAP Interim Administrator, retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja.

Adeniyi, who described Ndiomu’s visit as timely, said that it would further enhance the peace building efforts of the two institutions in the Niger Delta, and open up other vistas of opportunities.

He added that the NCS would benefit from PAP’s resourcefulness in terms of information sharing.

While commending Ndiomu on his achievements since he took up the PAP top job, Adeniyi expressed optimism that both agencies would work more closely to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

In his remarks, Ndiomu said that the visit was part of his ongoing strategic and far-reaching efforts to create linkages between the PAP and other relevant institutions.

This, he said, was to create windows of opportunities for ex-agitators to secure viable and sustainable means of livelihoods.

Ndiomu further restated his commitment to make the PAP more successful, while appealing to the Customs boss to enrol ex-agitators with degrees into the service.

The PAP Interim Administrator lauded Adeniyi for his strides in the NCS and assured that his administration would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace in the Niger Delta. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Panelists during the opening of a four-day Edo Shelter, Housing Conference in Benin

Firm to construct 300,000 housing units for Edo residents

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By Nefishetu Yakubu

A real estate firm, Neighborhood Turn Key Project has pledged 300,000 units of affordable housing across the 18 local government areas of Edo to cushion the effects of housing deficit in the state.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm, Mrs Cecilia Atohengbe, disclosed this on Tuesday during the opening of a four-day Edo Shelter Conference in Benin.

Atohengbe said that the initiative was a pilot project in the state, adding that recent studies had shown that 28 million Nigerians were in dire need of shelters.

Atohengbe, who is also the convener of the conference, said participants would discuss housing problems, examine and proffer solutions to the average citizen.

“Governments, over the years, have come up with several projects to try and meet these housing needs of people living in shanties and slums.

“As a company, we have designed a solution to enable anyone who earns N40,000 to own a home in an environment with good roads, water, light and other amenities,” she said.

According to her, aspiring house owners do not necessarily need to be civil servants or own bank accounts.

“He/she moves into the house and starts paying. It will be a rent-and-own scheme,” she said.

Other estate and property developers, who spoke during a panel discussion at the event, identified land inaccessibility, stunted financial and mortgage system as part of the factors affecting housing delivery in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq

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