The Iyaloja General of Nigerian Market Women, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize affordable housing for market women across the country.
Tinubu-Ojo made the call during an advocacy visit to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, in Abuja.
A statement issued by the minister”s aide, Seyi Olorunsola, said the Iyaloja General presented a proposal urging the government to construct 3,600 housing units for market women nationwide.
While saying the visit aimed at addressing the housing challenges faced by Nigerian market women, she emphasized the need for structured mortgage schemes that would enable women traders to acquire homes through affordable installment payments.
In her presentation, the Iyaloja General highlighted the vital role market women play in Nigeria’s economy and the persistent economic and social disadvantages they face, particularly in accessing decent housing.
“As a key pillar of Nigeria’s trade and commerce, market women contribute immensely to national development. However, many of them struggle with housing insecurity, which affects their financial stability and overall well-being. This proposal seeks to close the gender gap in home ownership by providing 100 housing units in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that hardworking market women have a place to call their own,” she stated.
She further stressed that the housing initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve the lives of citizens through strategic interventions.
According to her, many market women played significant roles in grassroots mobilization for the current administration, and it is essential that their contributions are recognized through tangible policies that enhance their living standards.
On his part, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, commended the Iyaloja General for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of market women. He described the proposal as a laudable initiative that aligns with the government’s vision of inclusive homeownership.
“I sincerely appreciate your advocacy and dedication to the cause of market women in Nigeria. The government remains committed to promoting equitable access to housing, and I will do my best to ensure that your proposal receives the attention it deserves. I will push for its accelerated consideration by the Federal Executive Council to explore the feasibility of incorporating it into the forthcoming supplementary budget,” the Minister assured.
The proposed housing units, if approved, will be constructed in phases across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a transparent mortgage process to ensure affordability. The initiative is expected to boost economic activity by creating jobs in the construction sector while addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
Market women and other stakeholders have since lauded the Iyaloja General for championing this cause, expressing optimism that the government will take swift action in support of the initiative.
Post A Comment: