OPIC: Redefining the concept of housing in Ogun

The concept of housing according to Business Dictionary is a building or building structure complying with requirements of laws and regulations and where individuals with their families may live. 

While Housing Dictionary defines the concept of housing as a shelter,buildings or something else that covers and protect.

The importance of housing cannot be overlooked.  Adequate housing, protects people from myriad of vulnerabilities. Initially, it protects people against floods and associated stagnant water which breeds mosquitoes and other insects which is the key factors in spreading infectious diseases.

Housing is one of the basic needs and an indicator of the quality of life that a citizen enjoys.  It also helps in creating conditions conducive to the achievement of crucial goals in matters pertaining to education, health, sanitation and the living standards of the people.

Living in healthy homes  promote boost physical and mental health. Good health depends on having homes that are safe and free from physical hazards. In contrast, poor quality and inadequate housing cause health problems, such as chronic diseases and injuries, and could have harmful effects on childhood development. Poor indoor air quality and other hazards often co-exist in homes, thereby placing children and families at great risk of multiple health problems. 

One of the challenges posed by unprecedented urbanization in developing countries such as Nigeria is the inadequate provision of basic housing. 

Over the years, Nigeria, like other .developing countries, has emphasised on  public housing schemes, but with little success. This coincides with global paradigm shift from direct public provision of housing to the enablement of private shelter initiatives and housing production that will conveniently meet the yearnings of the people.

In Ogun State, concerted efforts are being put in place to ensure that residents have access to affordable and quality homes. In making this a reality, Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation( OPIC) has put in place various initiatives targeted at different income earners to meet their housing needs. It was established on the 1st of September, 1984 and legally empowered by edict No.10 of 1985 to function as a self-sustaining  statutory corporation. 

As a matter of fact, it has come to fully explore the potentials and opportunities that abound in border towns of the state, in particular and by extension, other parts of the country by setting the pace of its fast expanding business conglomerates to Agbara, Isheri, Ikeja-Lagos and Abeokuta. 

Thus, the establishment of OPIC as a selfself-sustaining government owned statutory Corporation has provided a strong base for its achievements in the Ogun State housing sector and business initiatives. The operations of OPIC were merged with that of Gateway City Development Company in 2013 and through this merger, OPIC regained a full control of well over 22 hectares located at Isheri and it was christened Isheri Commercial City and other 750 hectares were located at Sagamu Interchange which is now known as New Makun City.

Since inception, OPIC has provided its clients, accommodation, in a world class secured, peaceful and serene environment with a conscious and determined effort to make its estates self-sufficient in meeting the daily challenges of residents.

However, the vision of OPIC is to be a world class developer of repute with diverse portfolio of residential, commercial and industrial property assets while its  mission is to expand the frontiers of the State, using real  estate as an economic driver for growth and accelerated development. 

For an unhindered progression, the OPIC vision must be sustained by experienced hands with a global dint. In line with the above, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, appointed Arc Abiodun Fari-Arole as the substantive Special Adviser and Managing Director (MD) of the Corporation to coordinate and oversee the affairs of the organisation. 

Experts pointed out that the appointment of Arch. Fari-Arole will bring a new dawn to the Corporation, no wonder he had  initiated a 10-point agenda to realise the goals of the present administration in sustainable housing development by transforming  OPIC as number one property development reference point in Nigeria. 

The future of the Corporation under the supervision  of Arch Fari-Arole is to further harness its potentials towards achieving the vision and mission by developing world class estates that can compete with any Estate in Nigeria. The vision is to ensure as well as continue the provision of housing projects that will cater for all cadres; from high-end properties to low cost housing and to take advantage of the interest of new industries springing up all over the state. 

Presently, work is on-going at the Kings Court Estate, IBB Boulevard, Abeokuta, a project which was conceived at the advent of the Dapo Abiodun-led administratio. The inspiration which came from the Governor's inaugural address on housing initiative. 

According to him, "There is a need to provide decent and befitting accommodation for the private business investors that will storm the State" he stated. With this, preliminary works and setting out for the foundation laying and actual field work commenced immediately". 

The King's Court Estate which covers about 48,685.34 square meters, approximately 4.87 hectares of land would upon completion accommodate 31 villas of five (5) bedrooms and an attached boy's quarters which would have facilities such as: 24 hours power supply, swimming pool, community mall, club house and recreation centre. Other facilities are: constant water supply, internet services as well as Gym and provision of surveillance cameras for security purposes. 

In addition to this initiative, the first phase of new Makun City project which is in partnership with the Federal Government Social Housing Project is also nearing completion, the scheme, with 36 units of studio flats, 456 units, each of 1 and 2 bedroom flats and 72 units of 3 bedroom bungalows at various stages of completion. The second phase of  New Makun City project has commenced with various contractors being  mobilized to site, will in no time be completed .

When fully completed,  the housing scheme is expected to provide affordable homes to residents of the State and  payment is made convenient  through the mortgage bank for prospective buyers. 

In all,Ogun government is not only determined to provide shelter for its citizens, it has also worked out payment plans. Other proposed projects of the Corporation include; development of 3-bedroom block of flats and 4 bedroom semi detached duplex with maid's room at Kings  court Estate phase 2 , the development of Alamala Estate to accommodate low cost housing as well as staff housing scheme  for government parastatals and agencies. 

With all these initiatives on the move, the development of decent and affordable housing would no doubt improve the lives of those with inadequate shelter, while at the same time improve the revenue  base of the state with the influx of business entrepreneurs as well as  opening up new investment opportunities. 

Oluwaseun Boye is an Information Officer with the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy and writes via oluwaseunboye@gmail.com.