To mitigate the nation’s housing deficit, a real estate firm, the COPEN group has indicated readiness to deliver over 1500 housing units across different cities within three years.
Managing Director of the Company, Ugochukwu Chime, stated this at the launch of COPEN housing group in Enugu. He noted that Nigeria’s housing deficit currently stands at over 20 million units and in the face of the colossal statistics, it had become a burden on the company to assist in overcoming the national housing challenge.
Chime, who spoke at the event, which had in attendance, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Cecilia Ezeilo, noted that the group had a vision of mentoring, poverty alleviation and providing housing for all.
According to him, the 1,500 housing units would be built in Abuja, Lagos, Awka in Anambra state, Abakaliki in Ebonyi state, Nsukka, 9th Mile Corner in Enugu, among others. He added that the company’s over 15 years experience in housing development, had placed it at vintage position to deliver timely, efficient and cost-effectively buildings.
Chime lauded state governments and the Federal Government Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), for providing the enabling environment for the group to thrive.
“Beginning with the commissioning of Bethel Estate in 2008, we have seen the delivery of Goshen and Jubilee Estates; Elim Estate; Jedidiah Gardens and Elshammah Estate, FMBM/NLC/TUC/NECA Workers’ Village and Adonai Gardens Nsukka.
While acknowledging the challenges in the development of each of these estates, he said they are humbled by the feats accomplished over the years.
He said: “Coming into this year, we will deliver 500 housing units each year for the next three years, as part of our contribution to meeting the need of our people.
“When we nursed the idea of estate development in Enugu in 2006, it seemed absurd. But we found the Enugu State Government a forward-thinking government and embraced the possibilities inherent in the real estate ecosystem. The state gave us the land for the development of Bethel, Elim, Jedidiah, Elshammah, Workers’ Village, Adonai and Elohim Estates.
“We have completed and commissioned most of these estates because of the support of the FMBN.
“The bank has supported us tremendously through estate development loan as well as individual mortgages for our off-takers. It is trite to say that without our collaboration with this institution, our work might not have thrived as it has.
“We also appreciate the synergy established with the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, through aconcept that has led to the ongoing 120 homes at their SANDVIEW Estate Akwuke, Enugu.”
