By Odimmegwa Johnpeter, Abuja
To boost the welfare of staff, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has facilitated the construction of 216 housing units of two-bedroom and three-bedroom blocks of flats in Abuja.
This was done through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation’s Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) programme, in line with pillar six (6) of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation plan 2021-2025 (FCCSIP-25), and the Renewed Hope Agenda Cities and Estate Programme of the present Administration.
The HoSF spoke in Abuja during the groundbreaking ceremony of a 216-housing unit at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Dutsen – Alhaji, to be allocated to both Civil/Public Servants, upon completion.
In her Keynote Address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan noted that the FISH programme came on board to mitigate the housing deficit in the service.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director (Communications), where she also affirmed that the ceremony is an indication of government’s plan towards enhancing the welfare of Civil Servants, through the provision of quality, decent, and affordable shelter.
According to the statement, Dr. Yemi-Esan called on Civil Servants to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Federal Government in the provision of affordable housing, adding that due diligence will be done to ensure that the houses to be delivered are of high quality, as well as affordable.
“We understand that the earnings of Civil Servants are not much, so we try, as much as possible, to get the best quality at a minimum price,” she added.
She also said that “Civil Servants will not get this opportunity anywhere else,” emphasising that “the houses will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.”
The HoSF further charged the selected Estate Developers to leave no stone unturned by ensuring that they deliver quality and durable infrastructure following the designed specifications.
In her address of welcome, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare (SWO) and Chairman, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board’s Governing Council, Dr. Comfort Adeosun explained that the new homes, when completed, will provide comfort, security and a sense of belonging to employees.
She also added that the FISH department is working hard to ensure that more houses are constructed, which will guarantee improved well-being and job satisfaction.
Also, in the same spirit, a new indoor Sports Complex, built and equipped by PSIN, was commissioned by the HoSF.
She used the occasion to urge Civil Servants to regularly engage in physical exercises for their physiological and mental alertness.
The Administrator/CEO, PSIN, Dr AbdulGaniyu Obatoyinbo, disclosed that the edifice stands as a testament and legacy of Dr Yemi-Esan’s passion and commitment to the all-round development of Civil Servants.
He revealed that the complex is named after Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, in recognition of her tremendous support for the transformation of the Institute, in particular, and the Service, at large.
According to Dr Obatoyinbo, “Today is unique to us at PSIN because it marks, yet another significant milestone in our journey to providing holistic capacity development that extends beyond the training rooms. Sports, as we all know, offer a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety and support mental well-being.
“This is part of our modest effort to drive the Sports, Entertainment, and Cultural aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” said the administrator/CEO.
In her Closing Remarks at the occasion, the Director, FISH Department, Mrs. Kemi Yusuf thanked God for yet another historic event, where the OHCSF, through the FISH programme, has begun another journey that will lead to the provision of quality and affordable homes for Civil Servants.
She thanked the HoSF for her unwavering belief in the FISH Programme, as well as an uncommon desire and untiring efforts in providing the much-needed leadership towards the realisation of the mandate of the Programme.
“This worthy ingenuity will not only impact positively on productivity and efficient service delivery but will remain unforgettable in our hearts as Civil Servants,” she further stated.
The Housing Estate, which is to be built on a 5-hectare land, allocated free of charge by the Management of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, will be funded by the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB).
The two projects unveiled are part of efforts being made to actualise pillar 6 of FCSSIP-25, which underscores the importance of enhancing the value proposition of Civil Servants geared towards improved productivity and increased quality service delivery, in tandem with the present Administration’s strategic plan.
Also, present at the Groundbreaking and Commissioning Ceremony were the HoSF-Designate, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, some Transformative Permanent Secretaries, the Executive Secretary, FGSHLB, Mrs. Salamatu Ahmed, Directors, and Estate Developers.
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