The Federal Housing Authority has commenced the rehabilitation of Festac Town with the inauguration of the reconstructed 1st Gate, 1st Avenue Road, and solar street lights.
The event, which was held at Festac 1st Gate recently, witnessed the inauguration of the reconstructed 1st Gate, the rehabilitated 1st Avenue Road, and the newly installed solar streetlights, which marked the beginning of efforts to restore the estate.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, said the projects represented more than just infrastructural upgrades but the fulfilment of promises made by his administration following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu about 18 months ago.
He said, “When we were appointed by the President, we were given a specific mandate to perform, and the restoration of Festac Town was a priority to us.
“Festac Town is dear to FHA not only because it stands as a national monument but also as the birthplace of the Authority.”
According to him, the rehabilitation of the 1st Gate was the first step in enhancing security within the estate, adding that attention would soon shift to the 2nd and 3rd Gates to complete the security framework.
Ojo further announced that through inter-agency collaboration, the Authority has secured the involvement of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency for the full reconstruction of 4th and 7th Avenues, with contractors already mobilised to the site.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with the FHA in maintaining the upgraded infrastructure while announcing plans to ban commercial motorcycle operators in the estate by 2026.
In his remarks, the President of the Festac Town Residents Association, Mohammed Adegbenro, commended the FHA leadership for walking the talk, noting that Ojo had kept his promise to enhance security and improve residents’ quality of life.
He pledged the continued support of the Association in managing the estate.
The Divisional Crime Officer of Festac Division, Superintendent of Police Muhammed Ali, who represented both the DPO and Area Commander, assured residents that the police have intensified operations in the estate, making it safer and more peaceful.
Also speaking, a member representing Amuwo-Odofin in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Foluke Osafile, urged residents to take ownership of the estate, stressing that its long-term maintenance depends largely on their cooperation.
The Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lanre Sanusi, lauded the FHA management for its leadership and highlighted the synergy between the local government and FHA, disclosing that the council had begun clearing shanties within the estate as part of broader rehabilitation efforts.
