The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has laid the foundation for the construction of a N1.5 billion Bodija Premium Estate, saying the state is ready to partner genuine investors to reduce the housing deficit in the state.
Gov. Makinde performed the foundation laying ceremony on Oba Akinyele Street, Bodija Estate, Ibadan, saying the project would among other benefits cause an upsurge in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state on land premium through statutory charges and improved taxes.
Gov. Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, said the project was situated on 12,209.45 square metres.
He said, “Bodija Premium Estate was birthed when Project Scope Limited bid competitively for this state-owned moribund asset as advertised by the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).”
He explained that the estate would comprise 45 housing units consisting of six units of two-bedroom flats in four blocks; 12 units of three-bedroom flats in four blocks; 15 units of three-bedroom terraced houses; and 12 units of four-bedroom semi-detached duplexes.
The estate, Daily Trust learnt, will have facilities like a club house, gym, swimming pool and children’s play area.
Others are a drainage system, roads, security house/access control and alternative power supply, water, sanitation and waste disposal system, adding that the project would be completed within 18 to 24 months.
The Chairman, Housing Corporation of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, said, “This particular project is unique in all ramifications as it is meant to provide for high-end users within Bodija Estate.
“It is not going to be a massive project, it is for high-end users and that is why when we decided to go into partnership, we sourced for those people who have the capacity to bring about the kind of project that we envisioned within Bodija Estate.
“We have 45 housing units to be developed by Project Scope and I understand that they will do this within the timeline specified, because the major constraint that developers of their kind often face is that of funding. But they have given us assurances that funding is not a problem. So, we can look up to the 18-month timeline for completion and delivery of the project.”
The Managing Director of Project Scope Company, Alhaji Omodele Rufai, said the company would deliver a high quality project which would offer premium luxury.
He said the project was targeted at growing upwardly mobile demographic, which, according to him, would rejuvenate Bodija generally and add value to the Oyo State Government.