Kogi Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ONYX First Risers, a private construction firm for the construction of 1,000 housing units in Lokoja metropolis.

Mrs Folashade Arike-Ayoade, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) signed the MOU on behalf of the State Government on Thursday in Lokoja.

The SSG said the desire of the state was to construct affordable houses for the citizens to address the accommodation deficit especially, in Lokoja metropolis adding that the state Ministry of Justice had scrutinised the MOU documents.

Mr Abdulkareem Siaka, Special Adviser, Economic, Finance and Investment to Gov. Yahaya Bello said every state was in a perpetual phase of development providing accommodation and shelter.

“We have about 4.7 million (4,685,485) individuals that constitute Kogi State. We have House needs, we have housing deficits.

“That is why the government of His Excellency is interested in opening up housing estate within the state. It is not restricted to Kogi State capital but everywhere in the state.

“In the next two years you will see a minimum of seven housing estates cut across the length and breadth of Kogi State,” he said.

Chief Essey Okagbare, Chairman ONYX First Risers, who signed on behalf of the company said the firm entered into the agreement to develop 1,000 “affordable” housing units.

He said the idea was mooted in September and developed in the last three months culminating in the berthing and signing of the MOU today.

Okagbare said that the company hoped to move to site fully in January, 2022 considering the Yuletide period and movement of equipment to site, and to have the ground breaking ceremony for the project thereabout.

“We are not coming to build

“Quack houses” because we want to make money. No, we will focus on quality, we are bringing environmental friendly projects in terms of housing”, he said.

The state government also signed MOUs with EForce Agro Developers Ltd for the Building of Infrastructures of Modern Agro-Complex Food Production and developing and Commercial scale maize farming at Osara expected to generate at least 5,000 jobs.

The state equally signed an MOU with Emperium Industries Nig. Limited for the production Marlstone Pellets (Fertilizer Fillers).