News

FG To Review Four Housing Laws, Says Minister

Published

3 years ago

November 27, 2023

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has constituted a housing reform team of experts and stakeholders to develop a robust framework of the housing sector and ensure that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are enhanced to provide affordable homes for Nigerians.

In a statement by the ministry’s Director of Information, Badamasi Haiba, he also stated that the reform team would deliberate on necessary legislative amendments such as the Land Use Act, 1978; National Housing Fund Act, 1992; Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Establishment Act, 1993; Federal Housing Authority Act,1973; among others.

The minister made this disclosure during a meeting with a delegation from the Housing Development Advocacy Network, led by Mr Ugochukwu Obiora Chime, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

He explained that the reform team would be made up of representatives from HDAN, agencies, professional bodies, as well as academia, to develop a robust framework for the reform of the housing sector by thoroughly reviewing relevant laws.

“The team will be tasked with streamlining all previous reform blueprints, and white papers for the agencies and outlining areas requiring reform, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” he further clarified.

On the issue of housing data, he disclosed that a ministry taskforce had been set up, and was working with the National Population Commission to design survey instruments that would address housing-related questions during the upcoming population and housing census exercise.

“We invited and met with the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms; we now have access to the comprehensive work they have done over the past 14 years on Land Reforms in our country. Immediately after the meeting, we set up an Internal Ministerial Committee to review and recommend for inclusion in our land reforms strategy, relevant parts of their recommendations will be the establishment of the National Land Commission to spell out the guidelines and regulations for operationalising the Land Use Act, 1978,” he stated.

Dangiwa also revealed the ministry’s target to deliver 34,500 units of multi-level flats to cater to low-medium income earners, terrace and detached bungalows and duplexes for the high-income earners under Phase 1 of the Renewed Hope Cities, in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country and FCT.

He added that 500 housing units of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom affordable bungalows per site in each of the remaining thirty States, under the Renewed Hope Estates were underway.

He noted, “Sponsors will include the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and through Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers. Ownership options include mortgage loans, rent-to-own, and outright purchase.”

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the HDAN delegation, Ugochukwu Chime, acknowledged that the ministry served as the blueprint that would bring about massive socio-economic development to the country, giving its potential as the greatest engine room for employment generation.

He, however, noted that more work was needed to institutionalise such a turnaround in the perception of shelter not just as a means of providing homes for people but also as a means of engendering the massive socio-economic growth as well as a multiplier effect in the local economy.

The delegation appealed to the minister to wade into issues surrounding the pricing of land Certificate of Occupancy and set up a committee that would look into the outstanding housing bills at the National Assembly.

News

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

Published

12 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

13 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

13 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.