Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has appealed to the Federal Government to sell the 208 housing units in Damaturu to the state government.
He made this appeal on Friday, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Federal Government’s 250 Renewed Hope Housing Estate.
The governor requested that the houses be sold to Yobe State at a 50 percent discount on the construction cost.
This discount would allow the state to allocate the houses to victims of insurgency on an owner-occupier basis.
He also mentioned that plans are underway for the construction of a Green Economic City, which aims to integrate residential and commercial areas sustainably to modernize Damaturu.
Governor Buni emphasized the state’s policy of supporting local contractors, building material dealers, and artisans.
He highlighted the state’s patronage of the state-owned Sahel Aluminum Company for roofing sheets, which creates employment opportunities, boosts the local economy, and speeds up recovery programs.
He urged the Minister to consider using local contractors and sourcing materials and manpower locally to foster a sense of belonging and ownership among the people.
“We have as a matter of deliberate policy patronised local contractors, dealers in building materials, and artisans. We also patronised the state-owned Sahel Aluminum Company for the supply of roofing sheets. This is to create employment opportunities, contribute to the local economy, and to fast track the recovery programme.”
The governor also appealed to contractors to ensure that they execute high-quality projects that provide value for money and benefit the people.
 He encouraged the residents of Yobe State to extend their hospitality and cooperation to the contractors to ensure the project’s timely and successful completion.
“I also urge the good people of Yobe state to extend our renowned culture of hospitality and cooperation to the contractors to ensure timely and successful completion of the project.”
Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing, commended the Yobe State government for providing the land, which represents 30 percent of the project cost.
Represented by the Minister of State, Engr. Abdullahi T. Gwarzo, he assured that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe for the beneficiaries to enjoy.
