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About 65% Of Abuja’s Vulnerable Middle Class At Risk Of ‘Housing Poverty’ — Don

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

A Professor of Applied Valuation at the Federal University Oye Ekiti, FUOYE, Prof. Isaac Olatunji, has revealed that research showed that about 65 per cent of Abuja’s vulnerable middle class were at risk of “housing poverty” due to hidden costs arising from poor housing choices, fuel price hikes and transportation burdens.

He also revealed that it takes an average middle-income family in Abuja between 15 and 18 months to secure suitable accommodation, describing the delay as a major drain on national productivity.

He made the revelation while delivering the 24th Inaugural lecture of FUOYE titled “Housing Care and Support for Nigerians: Exploring the Optimality Dimension to a Critical Real Estate Decision.”

Olatunji called for a radical transformation of Nigeria’s housing delivery system through data-driven housing choices and long-term tenancy models.

Olatunji argued that housing delivery in Nigeria must move beyond mere shelter provision to a scientifically guided system capable of guaranteeing citizens’ well-being and economic stability.

The don introduced what he described as the “OPTi Revolution,” a housing decision-support framework built around the Optimality Index (OPTi), which he likened to the global Moody’s rating system.

According to him, the systematically balances income, transport costs, commuting distance, housing quality and family activity patterns to help Nigerians make informed housing choices.

He said: “Just as a GPS tells you the fastest route, OPTi tells you the best utility home. We can keep building 700,000 houses yearly, but if we do not fix how end-users choose them and how long they can stay in them, we are simply building magnets of despair instead of magnets of hope.”

Olatunji lamented that despite successive government housing programmes, poverty levels in Nigeria had continued to rise from 54.4 per cent in 2007 to an estimated 63 per cent in 2025, insisting that poor housing and urban poverty were inseparable.

As part of his recommendations, the scholar called for the institutionalisation of Residential Accommodation Procurement (RAP) counselling under the guidelines of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.

He urged Estate Surveyors and Valuers to evolve from conventional “house agents” into professional housing procurement counsellors capable of deploying ICT-based tools and Excel-driven analytics to guide families toward optimal housing decisions.

He further advocated the adoption of long-term tenancy arrangements ranging from 16 to 33 years, saying such tenure security would encourage tenants to invest in housing modernisation and environmental improvements.

According to him, integrating the RAP model with long-term tenancy would create a win-win outcome for citizens, professionals and government by improving housing well-being, creating wealth and reducing urban poverty.

The don also urged the Federal Government to institutionalise the OPTi Decision-Support System for both public and private sector housing counselling as part of efforts to actualise the Sustainable Development Goals.

Reacting to the lecture, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages of the university, Prof. Babatunde Afolabi, commended Olatunji for highlighting the deep-rooted challenges confronting Nigeria’s housing sector.

Afolabi noted that the lecturer’s research findings indicated a national housing deficit estimated at about 15 million units.

“He has been able to highlight the major challenges in the Nigerian housing industry. By his estimate and research over the years, there is about a 15 million housing deficit, which means there is a lot to be done as a nation to bridge the gap,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the recommendations contained in the lecture would significantly assist policymakers and stakeholders in addressing Nigeria’s housing crisis.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

11 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

12 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

12 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.