After nearly three decades, the Federal Government has honored its long-standing promise to allocate houses to members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad, who clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Tunisia.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development announced the fulfillment of the pledge in a statement released on its website on Wednesday.
Among the latest beneficiaries is former Super Eagles striker Efan Ekoku, who received an official allocation letter for a house in Abuja. He was represented at the brief handover ceremony by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun.
Housing Ministry Hands over Housing Allocation to Efan Ekoku, represented by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun (c). Photo: Federal Ministry of Housing & Urban Development
The letter was presented by Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of the Public Building and Housing Development Department, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Temitope noted that the gesture is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and rewarding national heroes for their patriotic service.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of her uncle, Nwagbogun said, “I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this long-standing pledge to my uncle. It is truly heartening to witness such commitment to integrity and follow-through.
“This gesture not only honours Mr. Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.”
The housing pledge was initially made in 1994 but only gained formal approval for implementation in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Members of the victorious squad are now receiving their houses in various states across the country, with some, like Ekoku, receiving allocations in the capital, Abuja.