Ajoda New Town: Oyo deputy governor pushing Makinde’s vision for housing by Omolere Omoetan
THE right to adequate housing that is safe, healthy, available and affordable is enshrined in the United Nation’s Habitat Agenda with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all (UN Habitat, 2001). Housing is a critical component in the social, economic and health fabric of every nation. Thus, governments around the world are duty- bound to ensure their citizens have access to suitable housing. The Oyo State government, led by Engr Seyi Makinde, is not left out. Statistics estimate that Nigeria has a housing deficit of 28 million, and would need over N21 trillion to adequately bridge the gap. Despite the policies, organisations and regulations which different governments have put in place since independence in 1960, there is still a huge shortage of housing, especially for the low-income segment of the society. With a rapidly-growing population of more than 200 million, which is estimated to hit 400 million by 2050, this deficit would more than double if nothing is done to stem