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Lagos Unveils Housing Policy For Masses

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By Dipo Olowookere

In fulfilment of his campaign promise that his administration would come up with a new housing policy that will make all residents in the state have access to shelter irrespective of their social status, tribe or income, Lagos State government has unveiled affordable housing units spread across the three Senatorial Districts.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new housing policy in Epe, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode stated that the policy was in line with the set objectives of his administration to make life more comfortable and easy for all Lagosians irrespective of their status, tribe or level of income.

He said the initiative, tagged ‘Rent-To-Own and Rental Housing Policy’ represented an improvement on the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme inherited from the previous administration, under which a beneficiary was required to make an initial payment of 30% as equity contribution with monthly payment of the balance spread over a period of 10 years.

The Governor, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule expressed happiness that the new housing policy would benefit low income earners, traders and the general masses, adding that the feedback from the general public on the previous Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme indicated that there was a need to review the former policy such that more people will have the opportunity to participate in the process.

Mr Ambode disclosed that government has put necessary measures in place to ensure total transparency in the procedure and allocation of flats to prospective owners, warning members of the public to follow the normal guideline and not pay a dime to any individual or agent as bribe, stating that the scheme is aimed at alleviating the housing problem of the masses and not a way of extorting them.

“I want to assure the people of Lagos State that the selection process will be credible, fair and transparent, you therefore don’t need to know anyone in government to apply for the home ownership programme,” he emphasised.

While explaining the various benefits of the new affordable housing policy, the Governor noted that prospective beneficiaries are free to choose between the Rent- To- Own and the Rental Housing arrangements, stressing that “Under the Rent to Own arrangement, beneficiaries are to pay only 5% of the value of the housing unit as commitment fee with the balance spread over 10 years while on the other hand, beneficiaries of the Rental Housing policy are required to be regular income earners who are to pay just an initial one month rent as deposit and move to occupy the house on lease agreement.”

He revealed that 80% of the available housing units will be operated under Rent-to- Own arrangement to enable the general masses enjoy its full benefits while the remaining 20% will be dedicated to Rental Housing, adding that, “I have directed Ministry of Housing and other relevant agencies to ensure there is full disclosure of information that will guide the general public in making their choices.”

Mr Ambode maintained that the implementation of the new housing policy will take off with the unveiling of more than 1,000 housing units in Epe, Agbowa, Ojokoro and Ikorodu.

Earlier, Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal explained that the new housing policy is in line with the desire of the present administration to provide affordable accommodation to all residents of the State.

He declared that since access to decent and affordable houses remain a very big challenge to many Lagosians especially under the current economic recession in the country, it is the policy thrust of the present administration to ensure that many public officers, employees of organised private sector, artisans and the general masses benefit from the affordable housing policy as a way of bringing dividends of democracy to their door step.

The Commissioner averred that the State Government has concluded plans to continue to engage the services of facility managers to ensure that the estates are well maintained and kept clean at all times.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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