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Housing Minister Supports NUJ FCT Village In Abuja
…Assures Support via Federal Mortgage Bank
…NUJ Commits to Strengthened Collaboration with Housing Ministry
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has expressed strong support for the proposed ‘NUJ FCT Journalists’ Village’, a housing initiative championed by the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Speaking while receiving a delegation from the NUJ FCT Council led by Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike, the Minister reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to ensure that media professionals benefit from national housing development efforts.
Dangiwa, joined by the Minister of State, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, and senior ministry officials, praised the media for their vital contributions to Nigeria’s progress. “You amplify government policies to the people and hold leaders accountable. We deeply appreciate the critical service you render,” he said.
He announced that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) would provide backing for the Journalists’ Village under a cooperative model, stressing the need for the NUJ to first secure a properly titled plot of land. He assured the union that once this is in place, and architectural plans are submitted, the Ministry through FMBN would facilitate the construction of affordable homes payable over a 30-year period.
This commitment, he explained, is part of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which aims to bridge the national housing gap, create jobs, and elevate living standards. The programme features three key components: large-scale housing developments in major cities including the FCT under the Renewed Hope Cities plan; 250-unit housing estates for middle-income families in every state capital; and a social housing segment providing 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas for low-income earners, informal workers, and persons with disabilities.
So far, over 10,000 housing units have been launched across 14 states and the FCT. In addition, more than 150 slum upgrade projects, comprising roads, solar-powered streetlights, potable water systems, and drainage infrastructure, have been implemented to enhance urban living conditions.
To simplify homeownership, the Minister introduced a newly launched digital platform, www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng, which allows citizens to apply for homes, explore mortgage options, and track their applications conveniently online.
He disclosed that the Renewed Hope Programme has already generated over 250,000 jobs nationwide. In a related effort, the Ministry is working to reform land administration systems to unlock an estimated $300 billion in idle real estate assets, making land more accessible for development.
Dangiwa also revealed a strategic partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to fund the construction of 5,000 low-cost housing units. He highlighted plans for the establishment of building materials hubs to help reduce the cost of construction and make homeownership more affordable.
“Our vision is clear,” he stated. “Every Nigerian deserves a decent place to call home.”
Responding, Comrade Grace Ike commended the Minister and President Tinubu for launching the ambitious plan to deliver 50,000 new homes in the first phase. She applauded the milestone of 10,000 completed housing units, the progress in slum regeneration, and ongoing reforms within the Federal Mortgage Bank and Federal Housing Authority.
She praised the Minister’s advocacy on global platforms, including initiatives like the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing provisions for people with disabilities. “Housing is more than shelter, it is a symbol of dignity and a foundation for nation-building,” she remarked. “As protectors of democracy, journalists must not be excluded from homeownership opportunities.”
Comrade Ike called on the Minister to back the NUJ’s vision for a dedicated Journalists’ Village in Abuja, aimed at providing secure and affordable housing for media professionals. She also appealed for infrastructure support to complete the NUJ Pentagon building and to construct a modern convention centre capable of hosting over 2,000 journalists.
She urged the Ministry to partner with the NUJ in urban renewal programmes, positioning journalists not only as communicators but as stakeholders and contributors. Additionally, she requested support in creating access to housing finance and capacity-building for journalists to understand government housing policies and mortgage systems.
Reaffirming the union’s commitment to national development, Ike pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry in promoting government initiatives and facilitating public understanding. She also extended special appreciation to Bar. Festus Adebayo, CEO of the TV Housing Show, for his consistent advocacy for affordable housing opportunities for journalists in the FCT.
Independent.ng
News
[JUST IN] Wike’s Assassination Plot: Police Take Action On Top Governor Fubara’s Ally; Nigerians React
The Nigeria Police Force, through the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), has finally invited Tammy Wenike Danagogo, former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), over the allegation that he was speaking in a leaked telephone conversation, discussing how to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Danagogo is a top ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers. It was alleged that the governor’s ally was making the call with Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and founder of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
In the leaked conversation, Danagogo and Gbeneol were said to have discussed how they could bring in an Israeli national to assassinate the minister of the FCT, and it ended with an alleged plan to urge Governor Fubara to fund the execution.
Last week, Benjamin Hundeyin, the public relations officer of the police, reportedly revealed the arrest of Gbeneol in a statement on Tuesday, January 6, where he disclosed that further information on the issue would be made available after the interrogation had been completed.
This is coming amid the heated political tension between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Since the Christmas holiday, the two political leaders have been throwing banters at each other. The governor has been accused of ignoring the peace agreement he signed with President Bola Tinubu in 2025.
The news of the police invitation to Danagogo was shared by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Wike. The development has started generating reactions from some Nigerians. Below are some of their reactions:
Olufemi Aluko described it as a joke:
“Once I saw Israel, I just started laughing. We’re not serious in this country. I just knew it had to be a joke.”
Seyi questioned: “Leaked conversation. Yeah. How many phone taps do the DSS actually have running?”
Dare called for a deeper investigation: “Has it got to this? This is barbaric. If found culpable, he should be made to face the law.”
Meenah condemned the development:
“Another shocking development. When close allies of a governor are linked to alleged assassination plots, it raises serious questions about leadership and accountability. Rivers State deserves leaders who unify, not ones whose associates spark fear and chaos.”
Read more reactions to the news from X here: /
Police Invite Fubara's Ex-SSG Tammy Danagogo Over Leaked Phone Conversation Plotting Wike’s Assassination
The Nigeria Police Force, through its Intelligence Response Team (IRT), has invited a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Tammy Wenike Danagogo, for…
— Lere Olayinka – Aresa 1 (@OlayinkaLere) January 12, 2026
News
BREAKING: Grief, Lamentation As 3 APC Chieftains Die
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost three of its chieftains in Kogi to the cold hand of death. The APC chieftains are Alih Atabo, Onojah James Ignatius, and Jatto Onimisi Suleiman.
Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s commissioner for information and communication, announced their deaths in a statement in Lokoja, the state capital, on Monday, January 12.
According to Fanwo, the government and people of Kogi received the death of the APC chieftains with profound sorrow, describing them as distinguished sons of the state.
The statement reads in part: From breaking news to viral moments. “Hon. Onojah James Ignatius, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State and former Chairman of Igalamela Local Government Area; Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; and Alhaji Alih Atabo, APC Chairman of Anyigba Ward in Dekina Local Government Area.”
The Punch reported that Fanwo maintained that the deceased served the state and the APC with uncommon loyalty, dedication and commitment.
However, the state government did not disclose the causes of their deaths but conveyed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s condolences to the family, friends, associates and the APC family in the state.
Nigerians have therefore reacted to the news of their deaths differently:
Adeyemi condemned Nigerians mocking the dead: “It is truly heartbreaking how many Nigerians have lost their humanity. When a fellow human being passes away, the only thing some people can do is mock them over petty political differences. It’s a disgrace. Death is inevitable for us all; those who are mocking the dead today should remember that they could be the victims tomorrow.”
Chiedozie Onyeke prayed for them: “God should have allowed them to enjoy Tinubu’s reforms small. May their souls rest in peace.”
Uzochukwu Agu O.G. made an unverified claim: “They were clogs in the wheel of Yahaya Bello’s Ambition. It is what it is. The next set of chieftains to replace them will unilaterally call for Yahaya Bello to run for Senate.”
Adams Azeez prayed for the deceased: “Whatever your politics, death is a reminder that power is temporary. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find strength.”
Ajayi Ogidiolu demanded more clarity about their death: “When did they die? Died or killed? The information is not really clear.”
News
BREAKING: KWAM 1 Writes Ogun Govt, Accuses Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Plot to Exclude Him From Awujale Selection
Popular Fuji musician and Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM1, has written to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, alleging that he is being deliberately sidelined from the ongoing process to select the next Awujale of Ijebu land.
Ayinde, in a petition dated January 8, 2026, accused the Fusengbuwa ruling house next in line to produce the monarch of taking actions that allegedly violate the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State. He claimed the moves were designed to disenfranchise him from contesting for the revered throne.
The letter, written on his behalf by his lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, was addressed to Governor Abiodun and outlined what the Fuji star described as procedural irregularities in the selection process.
According to the petition, the contest for the Awujale stool has attracted over 60 aspirants, with Ayinde formally declaring his interest. However, the Fusengbuwa family has maintained that KWAM1 is not a member of the ruling house and is therefore ineligible to participate in the exercise.
Before writing to the governor, Ayinde had approached the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode, seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from continuing with the selection process. The court, however, dismissed the application, ruling that it lacked merit. The musician later withdrew the suit without publicly stating his reasons.
In his latest letter, Ayinde disclosed that the Ijebu Ode Local Government, via a letter dated January 6, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, had approved the commencement of the selection process by the ruling house.
He expressed surprise that while members of the Fusengbuwa family were preparing for a general meeting, the family’s Public Relations Officer, Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, allegedly issued a notice directing aspirants to collect nomination forms and appear before a screening committee.
The screening committee, according to Ayinde, is chaired by Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga. He further alleged that the directive fixed the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026, while also stating that the process would be conducted by delegates to be selected at a meeting scheduled for January 10, 2026.
Ayinde argued that the sequence of events was confusing, contradictory, and contrary to established laws guiding traditional chieftaincy matters in Ogun State.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ogun State Government nor the Fusengbuwa ruling house had officially responded to the allegations.
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Awujale succession process and provide updates as the story unfolds.
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