It is a common believe that availability of affordable housing in any society, plays an important role in improving the living standard of the people, having multiplying effects on the socio-economic development of the nation. 

However, Nigeria is one of the African nations that have challenges tackling its growing housing deficit resulting from increasing population and other socio-economic issue. Effective provision of affordable housing for the people has remained on the inadequate list, an issue that continues to generate discussions among relevant stakeholders not only in Nigeria, but also Africa sub-region.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria housing deficit was 7 million, rising as high as 12 million in 2007, 14 million in 2010 and 20 million in 2018. By 2023, Nigeria had recorded an estimated 30 million in housing deficit with high cost of construction materials, high property cost, lack of access to credit for potential homeowners, slow cost of land registration and land titles, poor housing policies, among others, affecting the adequate supply of housing units.

Some experts, in the wake of tackling the growing housing deficit, opined that the best way to address the challenge is through a multifaceted channel that will include government and other key stakeholders at all levels, be it private organisations, real estate developers, cooperative societies and many more, to deploy innovative solutions which will require a symbiotic collaboration to meet the diverse housing needs of every stratum in the country.

In bridging the widening housing gap affecting all interest, particularly the middle and lower class citizens in Ogun state, the present administration led by Prince Dapo Abiodun embarked on affordable housing initiative that would address the challenges. An initiative which has become a model for other states to emulate. Governor Abiodun, through the Ogun State Housing Corporation (OGSHC), reaffirmed its commitment to assiduously pursue provision and delivery of decent, safe housing accommodation at affordable cost with secured land tenure.

Aside from these, the Corporation has not relented in its responsibility of increasing the availability of residential homes, commercial, as well as industrial buildings for more people to acquire, thereby providing and maintaining roads, footways, bridges, street lights, ensuring functional drainages,sewers and potable water for the overall convenience of subscribers.

Interestingly the foremost housing estates which were located at Ibara, Abeokuta and Igbeba in Ijebu-Ode, were taken over and developed into vibrant, elegant and enlarged housing units by the Corporation, with lots of other well-built ones in Ilaro, Idiroko, Ayetoro, Ota and Oke-Ata, to mention a few.

Going by the robust policy framework under the social housing scheme of Governor Dapo Abiodun led-administration, the methodical approach and financing mechanism adopted for the provision of decent accommodation, in a serene environment has really showed value for what allottes subscribed to. No wonder the Federal Government showed interest in partnering with the State towards meeting its target of delivering 10,000 housing units in the three Senatorial Districts of the State; Ogun Central, Ogun West and Ogun East.

To the credit of OGSHC, the 'Yellow roof' innovative logo of the state government's housing estates were successfully completed and delivered with essential facilities at Kemta Idi-Aba, tagged, Prince Court Housing Estate, phase 1.

 The Prince Court Housing Estate consists of 120 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 10 units of 3 bedroom detached bungalow, totaling 130 units, while the 2nd phase of the estate also has 150 units. Similarly, the construction of the first phase of Prince Court Housing Estate in Itanrin, Ijebu- Ode, was done with 100 units of 2 and 3 semi-detached bungalow.

To improve upon the existing laudable, affordable and quality housing delivery to the people of Ogun State therefore, more creative strides are being worked out. This vision includes, but not limited to the construction of 5 bedroom detached duplexes in Ota, Boft Gardens along Lagos road, Abeokuta, which will consist of 150 units of expandable 2 bedroom semi- detached bungalows, and Prince Court 3 , which will consist of 250 units expandable 2 bedroom units.

The General Manager, Ogun State Housing Corporation, ESV. Wale Ojo, who emphasised that the new projects would be accompanied with world class infrastructure capable of attracting many subscribers, noted that the present administration was keen at providing quality, affordable and decent housing for the people, rather than mere shelter.

The new trend in housing delivery no doubt calls for fresh skills on best practices, training on technological advancements and relevant regulations to ensure efficient and sustainable development. In this regard, the pro-activeness of the Corporation has manifested through a high-level capacity building programmes for professionals in different cadres, to enhance their skills, knowledge, and capabilities in planning, designing and managing projects.

With the two-day training on Strategic Leadership Development for the management cadre, organised by the Corporation, towards boosting individual and organisational performance in effective delivery for better turnover, was held, followed by training on Work Ethics and Professionalism'' for the Secretaries. 

According to the General Manager, ''these workshop and training will help to sharpen the management skills and broaden their knowledge, regarding their responsibilities in the organization. Meeting up with the housing needs of the people require Government sustainable policy, undertaken by well-trained government workers who will sustain the policy and ensure its actualisation for the socio-economic development of the state. 

Consequently, Ogun State Housing Corporation has set machinery in motion to achieve its set objectives of bridging the  gap of housing deficit not only by mere building of more affordable housing units but also in training and empowering the workforce that will sustain such a laudable vision in the State.

Mistura, Press Officer, Ogun State Housing Corporation, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.