Ogun State Government has said it is willing to partner with credible private developers in the development of affordable housing, whilst managing the cost of land, which belongs to the Government for the overall reduction in the cost of housing.        

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who disclosed this at the 6th Annual General Meeting of Gateway Mortgage Bank, held at Mitros Residence, Oke-Ilewo Abeokuta, said the focus of the second term administration was specifically on social infrastructural and human capacity development with emphasis on the transport network, rail, road, bridges, air and sea transports as well as housing, that would elevate the living standard of its citizens.

Represented by the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Commissioner Designate, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, noted the government had designed a programme, with the intervention of the private sector, to partner with Government in the development of various categories of housing for the benefits of the people, which would also create opportunities for the Gateway Mortgage Bank to advance affordable mortgages to the people.

Congratulating the management of the Bank for the transformation so far, the Governor said, “We are pleased with the performance of the bank so far as it has witnessed significant improvement iin spite of the difficult economic environment under which it is operating”.

Prince Abiodun encouraged the management of the bank to continually seek collaboration with government institutions that lend to mortgage banks, assuring that his administration would continue to support and ensure that the bank enjoys its patronage at all times.

In his presentation, the Chairman Board of Director, Gateway Mortgage Bank, Evang. Samuel Durojaiye, appreciated the Governor for providing them with an enabling environment to operate, saying the bank, through the Ministry of Housing, Ogun State Housing Corporation and Ogun State Property and Investment Cooperation (OPIC)’ had been providing mortgage facilities to beneficiaries.

He added that the bank had continued to support the State’s workforce and the housing agenda of the State Government through the granting of various products and services, saying that as of the end of the year 2022, the bank had granted various loan facilities valued at N1.274billion to 1,772 civil servants.

A customer of the bank, Mr. Ogooluwa Bankole, commended the State Government for encouraging the financial institution to serve the people despite the economic challenges in the country, adding that the institution had not disappointed him since he has been transacting business with them.