A new housing initiative has been set in motion in the South Eastern region of Nigeria with the intention of bridging housing deficit and driving economic growth in the region.
The initiative, which is an outcome of an agreement between a pan-Igbo consortium, Igboebinie, and Hand of God Construction Company Limited, aims to provide 100,000 housing units in the region over the next 10 years.
The agreement promises mixed use housing units in the five states of the region—Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra—as well as Asaba in Delta State within the specified period.
To lend their support and give speed to this initiative, the governors of the concerned states have committed to making substantial portions of land available in their respective states, enabling the project to be funded by the two organisations.
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It is expected that this initiative will develop smart cities that meet international standards, foster an environment conducive for trade and commerce, promote industrialisation, create investment opportunities, and provide adequate housing for people from all walks of life.
At the agreement signing event, which was attended by the Commissioners for Land from various states of the Southeast, Chinedu Nsoffor, President of Igboebinie, noted that Ndigbo possess everything needed to generate significant wealth in Igboland, Nigeria, and Africa, thereby eliminating unemployment, poverty, and insecurity through the promotion of profitable trade, commerce, education, technology, industry, and a clean environment.
According to him, “Igboebinie has introduced a concept that is first of its kind in the entire world. It is operating a zero-construction mechanism that would ensure everything becomes cheap and realistic.”
On his part, David Nwachukwu, managing director, Hand of God Construction Company, stated that Nigeria’s population was growing rapidly, adding, however, that the housing sector was facing a deficit.
“To bridge the gap, the Southeast region needs innovative solutions and a customised digital structure for enhanced housing infrastructure, and building sustainable communities. This partnership is about bringing that spirit to life. We are coming together to build better housing and communities, and I believe we can make a real difference in the southeast,” he assured,
He disclosed that the authorities of the company have traversed the length and breadth of the southeast, met with Igbo in the Diaspora, and discovered that there are people who are ready to take these houses.
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“Igbos are everywhere, and a lot of them want to bring back their investments, but the platform is not there. So, we had to come up with this: bringing Igbos wherever they are and uniting them under Igboebinie so that we can come together under one umbrella,” he said.
Nwachukwu, who is the Vice President of Real Estate Developers Association (REDAN), Southeast, noted that the need to revitalise Igboland sparked the Southeast REDAN cities initiative, adding that a trip to the United Kingdom in 2024 became the turning point, where they discovered a shared vision with Igboebinie for the region.
“After extensive deliberations, we recognised the potential for collaboration. Hand of God Construction Company has since traversed the southeast, securing strategic land acquisitions to bring this vision to life. Our goal is to create vibrant, inclusive spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life and to drive economic growth in the region,” he stated.
