News
FG Commissions 116 Blocks Of FGSHLB Housing Estate In Gwagwalada
The federal government has commissioned the Gwagwalada Housing Estate in Abuja, which was constructed under the Staff Housing Loans Board FGSHLB for Civil Servants in the country.
The Gwagwalada FGSHLB Housing Estate seats on 5 hectares and consists of 2-bedroom blocks of 116 housing units, is expected to be replicated across the country.
While speaking at the official commissioning of FGSHLB Gwagwalada on Friday in Abuja, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan said the government of the day is leaving no stone unturned to ensure more Civil Servants becomes owners of their own house.
She expressed delight at the successful implementation of the project after its ground-breaking not quite long ago.
According to Yemi-Esan, the FISH project is one of the key programs of the 6 pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021 to 2025).
She added that the priority area of FCSSIP25 was devoted to enhancing the value proposition for civil servants, regarding their welfare.
She said the current house price with different income ratios among civil servants had made it difficult for some civil servants to purchase their own house in the nation’s capital, hence the need for government intervention programs.
“To tackle these challenges therefore, and with the objectives of delivering affordable houses for civil servants, the office of the HOCSF established a FISH program with the main objective of reducing the cost of housing for civil servants to the barest minimum.
“These houses and their keys will be delivered to those fortunate civil servants today and in the course of this event, there will be a symbolic presentation of keys to four officers who have been allocated houses in this estate, ” she said.
Despite multiple schemes implemented by various governments around the country, affordable housing remains elusive to the average Nigerian.
Because the situation is comparable to that of other developing nations, it remains a key concern in these countries’ socioeconomic development.
However, Dr. Yemi-Esan revealed that: another 8 hectares of land has been approved for the building of more this in the Jiwa Area of Abuja which will further ameliorate the housing deficit
In his remark, Mr Ibrahim Mairiga, Executive Secretary, of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB), who congratulated the beneficiaries, described the Estate structure as a model worth emulating because of the infrastructure within the premises.
Mairiga lauded the efforts of the head of the service who collaborated with his office for the successful implementation of the projects.
Meanwhile, Obina Martins a staff with the Ministry of Education one of the beneficiaries commended the gesture of the office of the HOCSF and the FGSHLB for creating such an opportunity for civil servants.
“As civil servants from the core ministries to become proud house owners in the FCT, indeed it is a thing of joy for such an opportunity, indeed we are grateful, ” he said.
Foreign news
Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration
By Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.
Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.
“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.
“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”
He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.
“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”
Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.
“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”
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