The Federal Government has finally fulfilled its three-decade-old promise of house allocations to members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
According to a recent update from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, houses are now being handed over to the celebrated players who made Nigeria proud in 1994. The gesture, long overdue, is seen as a recognition of the team’s loyalty and patriotic service to the country.
One of the beneficiaries, former national team striker Efan Ekoku, received his house allocation letter at a short ceremony in Abuja. Although he was not present in person, his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, stood in on his behalf to collect the document.
The letter was presented by Pemi Temitope, the Director and Head of the Department of Public Building and Housing Development, who represented the Minister of Housing and Urban Development at the event.
Temitope noted that this action reflects the government’s continued efforts to reward individuals who have contributed positively to the nation’s history and image. He added that the present administration remains focused on correcting past delays and ensuring that promises made to national heroes are not forgotten.
Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, who represented Ekoku, shared her appreciation, saying, “I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this long-standing pledge to my uncle.
It is truly heartening to witness such commitment to integrity and follow-through. This gesture not only honours Mr. Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.”
The allocation of houses is being carried out in different parts of the country, depending on the preferred location of each player. While some members of the 1994 team have received theirs in various states, others like Ekoku are getting theirs in the Federal Capital Territory.
It is worth noting that former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the move to implement this housing pledge in 2022, 28 years after it was first made. Now, three years later, the handover process has officially begun, offering a long-awaited reward to the nation’s football legends.
