FHA Commences Rehabilitation of Festac Town Commissions Reconstructed First Gate, First Avenue Road, and Solar Streetlights

By Our Reporter

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has commenced the rehabilitation of Festac Town with the commissioning of the reconstructed First Gate and First Avenue Road, complete with newly installed solar-powered streetlights.

Speaking at the event on Monday, the Managing Director of FHA, Hon.

Oyetunde Ojo, described the commissioning as the fulfillment of a promise made by his management team about a year and a half ago, following their appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda for mass infrastructure renewal.

“When we were appointed by the President, we were given a specific mandate to perform, and the restoration of Festac Town was a priority,” Ojo stated.

He emphasized that Festac Town holds sentimental value for the FHA, not only as a national monument but also as the birthplace of the Authority itself. According to him, the reconstruction of the First Gate and First Avenue was the first step in restoring security and dignity to the estate, adding that plans are underway to rehabilitate the Second and Third Gates to further strengthen security.

Ojo further revealed that, through inter-agency collaboration, FHA has secured the commitment of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the full reconstruction of 4th and 7th Avenues, with contractors already mobilized to site. He appealed to the Residents Association for total cooperation in maintaining both the estate and the newly provided infrastructure.

Earlier, the President of the Festac Town Residents Association (FTRA), Barrister M.K. Adegbenro, commended Ojo’s leadership, describing it as “walking the talk.” He noted that the Managing Director had kept his word to safeguard the lives and property of Festac residents, urging residents to support FHA’s efforts.

Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer and Area Commander of Festac Town—represented by Superintendent of Police Ali, the Divisional Crime Officer—assured residents that security within the estate had greatly improved. He added that intensified police operations now allow residents to “sleep with their two eyes closed.”

The Member representing Amuwo Odofin in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Olufunke Osafile, encouraged residents to take ownership of the estate, stressing that no one could maintain it better than those who live there.

Similarly, the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Lanre Shittu, praised FHA’s leadership and highlighted the synergy between the Authority and the local government. He disclosed that the council had begun clearing shanties within the estate to complement FHA’s efforts, assuring residents of a better Festac in the near future.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief Oscar Odogwu, Chairman of Balogun Business Association (Trade Fair); Hon. Maureen Ashara, Vice Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area; Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, Baale Sooba; among others.