Speeches

Foundation Laying Ceremony Of The Police Housing Scheme In Lagos State

Aug 20, 2008 - Today’s ceremony marks a significant milestone in the history of the Nigerian Police. In the hierarchy of human needs, shelter ranks as the second and most essential after food for survival and psychological well-being of the individual. It is therefore to be expected that the acquisition of personal residential accommodation is the dream of most citizens of Lagos State, Police personnel inclusive.

The provision of housing facilities is a key factor in enhancing and ensuring adequate welfare programme, especially for the citizens in any society. The hazardous nature of the job and the constitutional responsibilities of Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to the larger Nigerian society in preventing and combating crimes, require the appreciation and encouragement of all critical stakeholders.

It is in this regard that I wish to commend and congratulate the present leadership of the Nigeria Police for this landmark initiative of attending to the housing needs of the Police as part of its welfare package in order to motivate and encourage the personnel, for now and the future.

Today’s foundation laying ceremony of the Police housing scheme is a right step in the right direction to meet the housing needs of the Police and enhance their easy access to decent and affordable homes. It is therefore, my pleasure to join you and witness the foundation laying ceremony. I am indeed glad to identify with this momentous achievement. When in October last year, I launched the mortgage programme in support of affordable housing scheme in Lagos State, I said that probably the greatest and most valuable possession a man could have next to his life is a house. This is because every citizen deserves decent and affordable housing and indeed there is a direct correlation between affordable housing and better living standard and quality of life. Access to housing is a key dimension of families’ assets, and it is usually the largest family investment and a major means for generating employment and stimulating local development. In fact, the provision of housing is a key component of the success and prosperity of developed economies.

This new housing scheme in addition to many other welfare packages for the Police force in recent times, is a morale booster, it will definitely enhance the image of the Police; improve personnel self-worth and assure them that they are not labouring in vain. Besides, I believe that it will also motivate them to put in their best and concentrate on discharging their important duty of maintaining law and order in the society.

I am happy to note that the housing unit which is a departure from the barracks system would be allocated on owner-occupier basis and allottees, Police Officers whether serving or retired will have access to own one. It will surely assist police effort in community policing because Police Officers will be living among the citizens and will not be cut-off from the other civilian citizens, which will help foster better understanding and co-operation.

I congratulate all our Police Officers, especially in Lagos State because it is a new day, a new dawn of better life for you. I understand that this is the first in the series of housing scheme that would be spread across five different locations in the State. Officers and men serving in Lagos State would be able to access the type of accommodation suitable for them thereby have access to own a house whether as a serving or a retired officer. In fact, this is a major welfare scheme for the Officers and men of Nigeria Police in Lagos State and I commend the Inspector-General of Police for his thoughtfulness and initiative for implementing this housing policy.

For us in Lagos State, providing affordable houses for citizens is a programme we are passionate about and which we have commenced in earnest with the launching of the Lagos Mortgage Programme in support of the affordable housing project. More housing units would be constructed to enhance easy access to housing. We have started the home ownership through mortgage scheme with the public servants and as I promised during the launching, it is meant for all and sundry provided you have a verifiable means of income.

On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force for assisting in the provision of one of the basic amenities through this new housing scheme at Idimu and thereby supporting government in spreading development.

Thank you and God bless.

Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State