The Lagos government on Thursday handed certificates to owners of its housing scheme, who had completed their mortgage payments.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the state would continue to make home ownership a priority by collaborating with the private sector to provide affordable housing.

Mr Sanwo-Olu was speaking at the ceremony organised by the  Lagos State Mortgage Board (LSMB) in Ikeja to give certificates to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme.

“Today, we celebrate the successful ownership of homes by people of Lagos, who have fulfilled their mortgage obligations. This is proof of our administration’s commitment to making home ownership a reality for our residents.

“Housing deficit is a lot, that is why government is collaborating with the private sector and encouraging housing development at the local government level,” stated Mr Sanwo-Olu.

The governor added, “We initiated and completed numerous housing projects across different parts of the state, particularly targeting low and middle income earners.

“Notable projects include completion and commissioning of various estates, such as the LAGOSHOMS projects in Iponri, Lekki, Ikorodu, and other areas.”

According to him, expansion of the home ownership mortgage scheme is being looked into, the scheme will consider all demographics, with new initiatives that will be less expensive.

The Lagos State Ilupeju Housing Scheme which was named after Mr Sanwo-Olu was spontaneously changed by the governor.

The governor said it should be named  Muftau Olatunji Hamzat Housing Estate, Ilupeju.

Mr Hamzat, was the father of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

(NAN)