Senate Committee on Housing rates FGN/Novone Estate as best, commends Nya-Etok
The Nigerian Senate Committee on Housing has rated the FGN/Novone Dream Garden Estate in Uyo as the best among all the housing projects they visited in Akwa Ibom State.
The chairman of the committee, Senator Sam Egwu gave the rating shortly after the committee conducted an on the spot assessment of the estate during their 2-day working visit to Akwa Ibom state, saying that he was very impressed with the quality of job done on the estate.
He commended the principal partner of Novone Consult Ltd., Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok for his commitment and contributions to the housing sector over the years, assuring him that the committee’s visit to the estate will foster a rewarding partnership.
“You have shown interest in the housing sector, and all you have told us here goes to show and support what we have seen. Of all the places that we have been today, this is best,” he said.
On her part, the senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the Senate, Akon Eyakenyi said that he has known Arc. Nya-Etok over the years and attested to his achievements and contributions to the housing sector.
“When we met him, he insisted that he would want his own site to be the last and we can now see why he wanted it that way. They say you reserve the best for the last. Indeed, Arc. Nya-Etok, again you have proven that what is dear to you, you have the capacity and the concern to drive it, putting in your funds, your time over the years. What you have here is nothing but the truth,” she said.
Senator Eyakenyi, a former minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, said that while she was in the housing ministry, she enjoyed the support, passion and experience of Nya-Etok, urging other developers in the country to emulate him.
Earlier in his remarks, Arc. Nya-Etok said that he has been in the housing sector for over 30 years, adding that he has been one of the greatest advocates for social housing.
Nya-Etok, who won Nigeria’s Housing Man of Year in 2015, revealed that he has invested over 200 million naira of his personal money into social housing.
“I was also the person largely behind the social housing bill which the Honourable minister is going be present very soon. We had pushed that bill and it was one of the fastest running bills but the only problem they had was how to fund it and that problem is still there till today.
“I believe that if I have the chance, I will like to do a full briefing on housing delivery because a lot of people are talking about housing but they don’t have the perspective and history. They don’t have an understanding of what it’s all about,” he said.
Located in Uyo, FGN/Novone Dream Garden Estate is proposed to have 200 houses of various house types. The first phase has 50 units of 3 bedroom semi-detached bungalows. The estate has asphalted road network, elaborate landscaping, complete water reticulation, overhead and ground tanks, fully installed fire hydrants, CCTV cameras and many other facilities.
