By Our Reporter
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has commissioned the reconstructed First Gate and First Avenue in Festac Town, Lagos, along with newly installed solar-powered street lights.
Managing Director of FHA, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, said the project marks the beginning of his management’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the rehabilitation of public infrastructure.
According to Ojo, “When we were appointed by the President, we were given a specific mandate to perform, and restoration of Festac Town was a priority for us.”
He noted that Festac Town holds special significance for the Authority, being both a national monument and the birthplace of FHA itself. The reconstruction of the First Gate and First Avenue, he said, is the first step in securing and restoring the dignity of the estate. Plans are underway to reconstruct the Second and Third Gates as part of broader security measures.
Ojo further disclosed that the Authority, through collaboration with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has secured approval for the reconstruction of both the Fourth and Seventh Avenues, with contractors already mobilised to site. He appealed to residents for cooperation in maintaining the facilities and safeguarding security infrastructure.
President of the Festac Town Residents Association (FTRA), Barrister M. K. Adegbenro, commended the FHA leadership, saying Ojo has “kept to his words of securing lives and properties of residents of Festac Town.” He urged residents to support FHA in sustaining the estate’s development.
The Divisional Police Officer of Festac, represented by Superintendent of Police Ali, assured residents that the security situation in the estate has improved significantly. “Residents of Festac Town can now sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said, adding that police presence has been reinforced to ensure peace and safety.
Hon Olufunke Osafile, representing Amuwo Odofin in the Lagos State House of Assembly, also charged residents to take ownership of the estate. “This is your home; nobody will maintain it better than you,” she said.
Amuwo Odofin Local Government Chairman, Prince Lanre Shittu, praised FHA’s leadership and confirmed that the council has commenced clearing of shanties within the estate. He expressed optimism that joint efforts would transform Festac in the near future.
Dignitaries present at the event included Chief Oscar Odogwu, Chairman of Balogun Business Association (Trade Fair); Hon Maureen Ashara, Vice Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government; Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, Baale of Sooba; among others.
