By. Kingsley Benson
At the commissioning of a pioneering social housing project by Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) in Millennium City in Kaduna State, 100 women, including widows, single mothers, and small-scale traders, stood clutching brand-new house keys as tears of joy mixed with dust on their faces.
Mr. Ademola Adebise, Chairman of FHFL, set the tone for the ceremony. In his speech, he told the crowd that the initiative was not an act of charity. He described it as “an investment in strong women who will raise strong families and strong communities.”
The event unveiled the first phase of FHFL’s Social Housing Programme in Kaduna State. The one hundred homes were built with Expanded Polystyrene System (EPS) technology, a climate-friendly method that promises lower electricity bills, cooler indoor temperatures, and reduced carbon emissions. These features align with Nigeria’s climate resilience goals and reflect a growing shift toward sustainable construction.
Governor Uba Sani attended the commissioning alongside Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, and Mr. Ogungbesan Olusola Adeola, who represented the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. Governor Sani commended the development as a model for inclusive progress. “This is not just housing,” he said. “It is dignity restored.”
Mr. Adebise addressed the audience from a pink podium, chosen to honor the women who form the backbone of the project. He thanked the Kaduna State government for providing what he called “fertile ground” for the initiative and applauded the FHFL team for “turning policy into progress.” His greatest applause, however, was reserved for the beneficiaries. “Your stories of perseverance inspire us all. May your new homes be filled with peace, laughter, and the light of a prosperous new beginning,” he said.
He went further to underline the significance of the scheme. “This project symbolizes renewed hope and restored dignity, particularly for the one hundred resilient women empowered through this initiative.” He explained that the homes were more than buildings and that they were designed to support the emotional and social recovery of the beneficiaries, many of whom are widows.
According to him, “This Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.” He noted that the programme aligns with federal priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and demonstrates how housing can drive broader societal progress.
He also highlighted FHFL’s new approach. “Through this development, FHFL has demonstrated a new model of social housing delivery in Nigeria, one that integrates home ownership with skills training, livelihood support, and climate-smart construction.” He referred to complementary initiatives that included training the women in small businesses such as poultry farming and soap-making.
On the construction technology, Mr. Adebise told guests, “These homes are energy-efficient, incorporating solar power and sustainable materials. Through the Expanded Polystyrene System technology, we achieved faster, more affordable, and climate-friendly housing.” He explained that the EPS method cut construction time to eight months and lowered energy costs, supporting Nigeria’s long-term low-carbon goals.
The project itself began as a grassroots idea. “The project is a demonstration of community initiative supported by responsive governance,” Mr. Adebise said, describing how the widows pooled land and sought FHFL’s support. He added that “The project combines home ownership with skills training and renewable energy solutions, empowering widows to become self-reliant.” He stressed that FHFL views the beneficiaries not as recipients of aid but as contributors to stronger families and communities.
FHFL sees its Kaduna pilot as a foundation for larger ambitions. Mr. Adebise revealed plans for 1,600 student hostel beds across twenty-four universities, with six already under construction. He also shared that work is under way on single-digit interest mortgages for first-time homebuyers. In the same Millennium City, an additional 500 housing units are nearing the occupancy stage.
Each 2-bedroom unit includes a cottage yard for backyard farming and easy access to an on-site market where women can process and sell produce. Before receiving their keys, the beneficiaries completed FHFL’s livelihood training modules in poultry farming, soap-making, and digital marketing. The programme aims to convert new homeowners into active entrepreneurs.
“This compound will feed itself,” said 42-year-old Hajiya Fatima, a groundnut seller who lost her husband to banditry in 2022. “I have a solar fridge coming. No more spoilt goods.”
The estate also features a communal creche, a skills centre, and a solar-powered borehole. The fast construction pace was achieved through EPS panels that fit together like Lego pieces and require minimal cement.
Federal support has been central to the project’s success. The initiative draws seed capital and policy backing from President Tinubu’s housing agenda through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Partnerships with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Adashe Women Society helped to strengthen both the technical framework and the community cohesion around the scheme.
As the women explored their new homes, many paused to pray quietly, their keys glinting in the Kaduna heat.
