By Cliffsimeon Akalonu
The Federal government of Nigeria through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has handed over the permanent site for the construction of Festac town market, mechanic/artisans village in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Lagos recently, the Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Senator Gbenga Ashafa; said that, “it gives me pleasure to make this remark on this memorable event of handing over Of this approved space for a Mechanic Village in Festac town.
Ashafa who spoke through the Southwest Manager, FHA, Engr. Samuel Akintola said that he is delighted at this historic occasion, “because it brings to fulfilment an age-long plan by Federal Housing Authority to settle our mechanics in a comfortable place they can legitimately call their own; to our mechanics, I say a big congratulation”.
He added that the place of Mechanics, Technicians and Artisans can never be underestimated in any society, their overall importance in any economy is not of low profile because of the essential nature of their trade.
“The value chain they add to the economy is quite enormous owing to the many jobs and employment they create through service deliveries and we in FHA will do all we can within our reach to make you comfortable, relevant and organized”, Ashafa stated.
“Having said this, I now call on your leadership to ensure orderly business premises”.
The FHA boss quickly reminded the trade associations that “cooperation with all the tiers of government concerned with your operation, as well as living up to all necessary and expected statutory obligations are expected of you, to ensure a symbiotic co-existence with all relevant bodies”.
He warned that “with the success of today, it has been officially declared illegal for any auto mechanic to operate in any other part of Festac Town.
“We also implore the Auto mechanic/technician leadership to help relevant authorities concerned with the security and sanitation of Festac Town, by compelling all your members to avail themselves of this facility”.
Senator Gbenga Ashafa promised that the Management of FHA under his leadership, “with your cooperation will continue in our quest of providing quality services to all residents, as well as create a conducive living and business environment.
He also thank all partners, “especially the Festac Town Resident Association, the Festac Police Authority, members of the Lagos State Task Force and all Security agencies for their wonderful cooperation”.
Reacting to newsmen, the Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Engr. Dr. Valentine Buraimoh, said that Festac town is properly planned and every business environment is captured well.
“We don’t want people doing businesses along the road, we want everyone to do their business at a located site for their trade.
“About 5 – 6years ago, the area was swampy area and it was the same Amuwo Odofin LGA, that sand filled the place and make it liveable with the creation of access roads to the drypoint of it”.
Before now, people are selling the landed property claiming Omonile without proper documentations, without proof of ownership and the reclamation is now as captured in the LGA master plan.
In a brief remark by the President, Festival Town Residents Association, Mr. Shola Fakorede, appreciated the effort of Senator Ashafa, the Managing Director of FHA, “who promised to make it a reality to re – phase Festac town and today he has started the good promise he made to us, we so much appreciate him for it”.
In addition, NATA Chiarman, Festac Unit, Comr Inusa Enikalomo, said “we thank God for we are alive to witness this day and we also thank the federal government, especially FHA, for fulfilling a promise made by them by taking the association to the promised land, we really appreciate them and thankful for this day has come”.
