The Federal Government’s flagship Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme has officially commenced in Calabar, Cross River State, following the successful acquisition and formal handover of 25 acres of land generously donated in Adiabo community by the Cross River State Government.
During a visit to the Obong of Calabar, Rt Hon. Victor Udofia, who serves as Special Adviser to the President of the Senate and Contact Person to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, shared his appreciation to the Cross River State Government. He noted the donation of land and warm welcome received by the federal team as strong support for national development.
Udofia restated that the Federal Government remains fully committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda introduced by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. This initiative is designed to provide accessible and lasting housing options across the country, especially for low- and middle-income earners.
He also acknowledged the prompt response from the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for approving the land quickly, which he said was key to getting the project underway without delay. He went on to recognize the role played by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong in making sure that Cross River was chosen as one of the locations for the project.
“The project is deeply personal to me because Cross River State holds a special place in my heart, having served my NYSC in this State,” Udofia said.
He also noted that contractors have already received their award letters, and site mobilization is expected within the next two to three weeks once the final funds are released.
In a show of support, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the land approval and called the Senate President “his very good friend,” thanking him for helping bring the project to Calabar.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, the Federal Controller of Housing in Cross River State, Alfa Simeon, provided more details on the plan. He noted that eight contractors have been engaged. Four of them will handle essential infrastructure like roads, water supply, and electricity, while the other four will build the homes.
He said, “The initial phase will comprise 120 housing units, including one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats, designed to be expandable at affordable rates.”
Simeon added that the housing is being planned to help civil servants and workers with modest income. “We’ve structured the execution into two phases, but our strategy is to complete and hand over Phase One before moving to Phase Two, to avoid abandoned projects,” he stated.
