March 15, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has made good on its commitment to give champions of the 1994 African Cup of Nations houses in their preferred states.
President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday in Abere, Osun State, that it is better late than never, while commissioning the Housing Project under the National Housing Programme (NHP) Phase 1.
THEWILL recalls the Super Eagles winning their second national title in 1994 by defeating Zambia 2-1 in the final.
Nigeria won the 1994 Nations Cup, which was hosted by Tunisia, with a team that is widely regarded as the best in Nigerian football history. The Super Eagles defeated the Chipolopolo, thanks to a brace from Emmanuel Amuneke.
Nigeria rose to 5th in the FIFA ranking following their outstanding performance in the tournament and later in the World Cup later that year, one of the highest feats ever achieved by an African country.
Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Samson Siasia, the late pair of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi and Rashidi Yekini, Augustine Egavoen, Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, and Mutiu Adepoju, were among the members of the 1994 team.
Unfortunately, Yekini, Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Wilfred Agbonavbare, and Keshi, who helped the team to glory in the competition, have died.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, commissioned 72 housing units, including 24-units of condominium, 28 2-bedroom and 20 3-bedroom bungalows, at the occasion.
Buhari stated that the Federal Government’s motivation was not just to improve the living conditions of the players through these housing projects, but also to fulfil its promise to its people.
In his words: “On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is a great honour for me to redeem the promise Nigeria made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly. Any one of them can pick houses from any of the 36 states.
“I invite you to pick from those which are being commissioned today. We had Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, amongst other superstars from our state.
“As the saying goes, it is better late than never and I have approved allocation to redeem the outstanding allocation to 22 members of the Super Eagles in National Housing Estate located in their state of choice, and their keys and title documents will be handed over at the commissioning in their state while the remainder of the housing is allocated to willing members of the public.
“But there is more to our message of change and improving the human condition in these housing projects. They make possible, that which had seemed impossible.
“It provides an opportunity to remember our heroes, the valiant Super Eagles, to whom our country made a promise of providing housing for winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations, which has remained unfulfilled before now.”
In conclusion, Buhari emphasised that his administration was committed to using its programmes and policies to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Dr. M. K. Muhammed, the Southwest Zonal Director of the NHP, who spoke earlier, stated that the site on which the project was developed was donated by former governor of the state, Aregbesola himself.
Muhammed stated that the NHP, which promotes local content in accordance with Executive Orders 3 and 5, insisted on the use of locally accessible building materials for the project, and by doing so, contributed to boosting the economy.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
